High winds caused severe damage in path of DeKalb County from the northwest to southeast portions. Nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners suffering severe damage may be eligible for assistance under the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) that is administered by the DeKalb/Cannon County Farm Service Agency (FSA).
According to Donny Green, County Executive Director for the DeKalb/Cannon County Farm Service Agency, in order to qualify, the damage must have been caused by this natural disaster and must have adversely impacted natural resources on NIPF land and, if untreated, would:
•Impair or endanger the natural resources on the land, and
•Materially affect the use of the land.
A producer qualifying for EFRP assistance may receive financial assistance not to exceed 75 percent of the eligible cost of restoration measures. The emergency measures must restore forest health and forest-related resources. The following types of measures may be eligible:
•Debris removal from NIPF;
•Site preparation on NIPF;
•Seedling establishment on NIPF, and
•Restoring conservation structures and other similar installations.
Producers who have suffered a loss from this disaster event may contact the DeKalb/Cannon County Farm Service Agency and submit an application for assistance under the EFRP during the signup period, September 11, 2017 through October 11, 2017.
To be eligible for assistance, practices must not be started until all of the following are met (waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis when justified):
•An application for financial assistance (FSA-848) has been filed;
•The local FSA County Committee, or its representative, has conducted an onsite inspection of the damaged area;
•The Agency responsible for technical assistance, such as the state forestry agency, has made a needs determination which may include specific corrective measure to restore forest health and forest-releated resources.
For more information, contact the DeKalb/Cannon County Farm Service Agency at 615-597-8225, Ext. 2, or come by the office at 647 Bright Hill Rd., Smithville.

A local minister has reportedly been arrested in Smith County for statutory rape by an authority figure and incest.
According the Smith County Insider Press, Richard A. Petty was interviewed by Smith County Sheriff’s Office Detectives. During the interview, Petty admitted that he did have oral sex with a minor on several occasions. He was charged on September 6.
As of Monday morning, September 11, Petty remained incarcerated at the Smith County Jail Facility. Petty’s bond is $180,000.
Petty was minister of the Dowelltown Baptist Church.

On Saturday, October 7th, organizers will host the Caney Folk Music & Arts Festival and fundraiser, scheduled to take place on Cherry Hill Farm at 16639 Smithville Highway in Silver Point, Tennessee. Gates open from 11 a.m.until 8 p.m.
The family-friendly event will include a full day of live folk and bluegrass music, free music workshops, a “Kid Zone,” outdoor/recreational vendors, art, food, games, and a celebrity auction of country music memorabilia, including autographed guitars from George Strait, Thomas Rhett, and newcomer, Kelsea Ballerini. 100% of donations will benefit the DeKalb Prevention Coalition’s Health Adventure. The program currently provides free healthy activities that promote physical and emotional well being for the local community, along with teens and adults with disabilities.
Admission is $10 for Adults, $5 for Seniors/Military and Kids 12 and under are free. $7 (Adult) tickets are available through September 30th here https://www.caneyfest.com/tickets/
or CANEYFEST.COM.

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2018 begins October 15. For those who are eligible to sign up for Medicare or have questions about making changes to their Medicare health plans and/or Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, free, un-biased Medicare information and counseling is available through the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability.
Open enrollment for the coming year runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, currently enrolled Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their plans. The staff at UCAAAD, a division of Upper Cumberland Development District, and volunteers are trained to provide free, un-biased counseling and advice for those seeking assistance with making changes to their Medicare plans.
It is important for Medicare beneficiaries to compare their current plans to the 2018 coverage options, which will be released on October 1, 2017. UCAAAD staff helps those seeking assistance with plan comparisons without selling anything and can be reached at the toll free SHIP line at 1-877-801-0044.
Throughout open enrollment, UCAAAD staff and volunteers will also be offering Medicare counseling at locations throughout the Upper Cumberland. A full list of appointment times and locations can be found at www.ucdd.org or at www.facebook/ucddconnect or by calling the toll free SHIP line at 1-877-801-0044.

DeKalb Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (d/b/a DTC Communications) will host its annual meeting on Sept. 16, 2017, at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria.
Directors will be elected in the Milton, Norene, and Woodbury exchanges. The Nominating Committee has qualified the following candidates by nomination: Jim Vinson – Milton, Terry McPeak – Norene, and Jean Chumbley Ferrell – Woodbury. One candidate, Michael Alexander, qualified by petition in the Woodbury exchange.
Voting for directors will take place at the cooperative’s annual meeting on Saturday, Sept. 16 and during early voting Monday-Wednesday, Sept. 11-13.
Hours and locations for early voting include:
Early Voting Hours
*Mon., Sept. 11 …………… 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
* Tues., Sept. 12 ………….. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
* Wed., Sept. 13 …………. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Early Voting Held at DTC Store Locations
* 111 High Street – ALEXANDRIA
* 126 JMZ Drive – GORDONSVILLE
* 200 Walmart Drive – SMITHVILLE
* 106 West High Street – WOODBURY
On Saturday, Sept. 16, gates to the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria will open at 11:45 a.m., with voting from noon until 3 p.m. The business meeting will begin at 3 p.m. or once the last person in line at that time has voted.
Only DTC members may vote, and each member must present proper photo identification. For a single membership, only that individual may vote. Either member of a joint membership may vote, but not both. In the case of a business membership, a business affidavit is required.
For additional information about membership and voting, call DTC at 615-529-2955.

The DeKalb County Tigers lost 59 to 21 to the Purple Tigers at Watertown Friday night. Their first meeting on the gridiron in a regular season game since 2008.
The black and gold Tigers fall to 0-4 on the season while the Purple Tigers improve to 2-2.
The first score of the game came on a 71 yard touchdown pass play from DeKalb County quarterback Tyler Cantrell to Paxton Butler. Andrew Fuson added the extra point and the black and gold Tigers led 7-0 with 9:41 left in the 1st period.
Watertown answered on a 4 yard touchdown run by Gene Wynne with 6:34 left in the 1st period. Nathaniel Gutierrez tacked on the extra point and the game was tied at 7.
The Purple Tigers took their first lead of the game with 21 seconds left in the 1st period on a 10 yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Heath Price to Elijah MaKlary. Gutierrez added the extra point and Watertown led 14-7.
Watertown extended its lead to 17-7 with 6:22 left in the 2nd period on a 35 yard field goal by Gutierrez
DeKalb County cut the gap with 1:16 left in the 2nd period on a 4 yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Tyler Cantrell to Braxton Linder. Andrew Fuson added the PAT and the Black and Gold Tigers trailed Watertown 17-14.
Watertown’s Zack Hill scored on a 20 yard touchdown run after recovering a bad snap. Gutierrez added the PAT and Watertown’s lead was 24 to 14 with 9:39 left in the 3rd period.
DeKalb County scored on a Bradley Miller 1 yard touchdown run with 7:18 left in the 3rd period. Andrew Fuson booted the extra point and the Black and Gold Tigers trailed 24 to 21.
Quarterback Heath Price scored on an 8 yard touchdown run for Watertown with 2:35 left in the 3rd period. Gutierrez tacked on the PAT to give the Purple Tigers a 31-21 advantage.
Price scored on a 15 yard touchdown run with 1:04 left in the 3rd period. The extra point by Gutierrez was good and Watertown led 38-21.
Deramus Carey rambled 60 yards for a Watertown touchdown and with the Gutierrez’ extra point the Purple Tigers led 45-21 with 10:36 left in the 4th period.
Heath Price scored his third running touchdown of the game with 9:25 left on a 17 yard keeper and with the extra point by Gutierrez, Watertown held a 52-21 lead.
Deramus Carey added a 13 yard touchdown run with seven seconds left in the game. The PAT by Gutierrez was good and Watertown won 59-21.
DeKalb County will host Grundy County next Friday night, September 15 at 7 p.m. in Smithville. WJLE will have LIVE coverage. Grundy County is 1-3.

The dates have been set for the special elections to fill the vacancy in the 17th Senatorial district.
Governor Haslam issued a “writ of election” today (Friday) setting the Primary date for November 7th and the General Election for December 19th.
The vacancy was created with the resignation of Mae Beavers who announced she was devoting all of time to her campaign for governor.
“We anticipated these would be the dates of the special elections, and now that we know for sure we can officially begin the tasks that are required by law and make final preparations,” said Dennis Stanley, DeKalb County Administrator of Elections.
The qualifying deadline for candidates is Noon September 28th. Winners of the respective primaries will then square off in the general election along with any independent candidates that qualified by the deadline.
Early voting for the November 7th special primary will be held from October 18th through November 2nd. The exact hours will be set Monday night by the local election commission.
Early voting for the special General election will be November 29th through December 14th.
“We want to remind potential new voters that the last day to register to vote in the November primary is October 10th,” Stanley said. “And we want to remind election workers to mark the election dates on their calendars and be expecting a letter in the near future announcing the dates for training.”
If you are interested in becoming a poll worker, please contact the DeKalb County Election Office at 615-597-4146.

The DeKalb County Tigers will renew an old rivalry tonight as they travel to Watertown to take on the purple tigers.
Game time is 7:00 p.m.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO HEAR TIGER TALK WITH COACH STEVE TRAPP AND PLAYERS HUNTER FANN, PAXTON BUTLER, AND ISAAC CROSS)
http://www.wjle.com/audio/tiger-talk-september-8
The Tigers are 0-3 with losses to Warren County 26 to 10, Upperman 49 to 27, and Stone Memorial 38 to 16.
Watertown is 1-2 with a season opening win over Gordonsville 20 to 0 and back to back losses to Mount Juliet Christian 42 to 21 and Trousdale County 42 to 6
Tiger Coach Steve Trapp said he is hoping for a good performance from his team in tonight’s game.”It’s not that the guys do not have the ability to play the type of football that we want. It’s just getting them in the right position and getting them mentally correct but ultimately they have to get out on the field with a strong desire and passion to be the greatest football players they can be each and every play. Our effort is good. We’ve never had to question their effort but mentally we’re still trying to get everybody on the same page and playing a good brand of football,” said Coach Trapp.
Coach Trapp also talks about what he expects from Watertown.”Defensively, they are very similar to our defense. Coverage wise it looks like its pretty similar. I expect them to step up their pressure game because we’ve got four new offensive linemen out there. They probably have seen film on every game we’ve played this year. I expect them to probably blitz a little bit more than what they have shown on tape. Offensively they really do want to spread the field with a lot of screen game and jet sweep game. I don’t know if they throw it down the field quite like we want to do. Its more horizontal stuff. They try to out leverage you and get more people to the point of attack so our defense really has to make sure we’re aligned well and running to the football fast,” added Coach Trapp.
Kick-off is at 7 p.m. and WJLE will have LIVE coverage on AM 1480/FM 101.7 and LIVE streaming at www.wjle.com with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor and Luke Willoughby.
WJLE’s Pre-Game shows begin with “Coach to Coach” at 5:00 p.m. featuring former UT football coach Phillip Fulmer and former UT assistant coach Doug Matthews with broadcaster Larry Stone talking Tennessee and SEC football.
“Coach to Coach” is followed by “Murphy’s Matchups at 6:00 p.m., a look at Tennessee High School Football from Murphy Fair with commentary on games and coaches interviews.
“Tiger Talk” airs at 6:30 p.m. with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor interviewing Coach Steve Trapp and Tiger players Hunter Fann, Paxton Butler, and Isaac Cross.
The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with play by play coverage on WJLE with John Pryor and color commentary by Luke Willoughby

The Smithville Municipal Golf Course remains closed but to help the city get it back open and operating, the owners of RiverWatch Golf & Resort have offered to refurbish the course and to maintain it for at least a year.
The mayor and aldermen discussed the proposal in a work session Thursday evening and are expected to make a decision during Monday night’s regular monthly meeting.
Tony Poss, the former tenant who had a 10 year lease to operate the golf course and swimming pool, recently notified the city that he was ending his agreement. The nine hole golf course and pool have been closed since Poss’ departure.
The mayor and aldermen have said they don’t intend to lease the golf course/swimming pool again but to hire someone to manage it for the city.
RiverWatch apparently does not seek to operate or manage the facility on a day to day basis but to provide qualified professional service, equipment, and staffing for renovations and maintenance of the golf course, practice greens, and driving range. The cost to the city based on a 12 month contract with RiverWatch would be $74,115. Two and three year contract options are also available.
“My recommendation is to let them (RiverWatch) do this for a year to give them a chance to get it up and going. It will give us (city) a chance to apply for a grant. With a grant we might be able to buy equipment, put in a water system, and re-do the pool and tennis court,” said City Public Works Director Kevin Robinson.
Under terms of the proposal, RiverWatch would provide the following services:
*Daily onsite golf course maintenance management
*Aerification process
*Top dressing greens
*Fertilization/Chemical applications (application equipment provided by RiverWatch)
*All equipment for day to day operations for golf course (greens mower, tee mower, fairway mower, walk blower, PTO blower and a PTO driven gang unit rough mower)
*RiverWatch will maintain all sharpening and adjusting of reels and blades during the contract period.
The city’s responsibilities under the proposal would be as follows:
*City supplies working irrigation system
*City supplies all course related liability insurance
*City supplies all chemicals, sand, special project rental equipment and general maintenance and expense. (This includes all wear items, such as reels, belts, bed knives, oil changes, nuts, bolts, fuel, etc.)
*City is responsible for all fuel for all equipment
*City agrees to provide three pool laborers per week as needed to assist in non-skill specific course maintenance.

The DeKalb Utility District was recognized Thursday by the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce for two milestones, it’s golden anniversary and for the recent launch of the new water treatment plant.
The Chamber held a ribbon cutting for the new facility located at 300 Yulanda Hills Road and presented a Milestone Award to the DUD celebrating 50 Years.
Members of the DUD Board were on hand for the occasion including Chairman Roger Turney, Danny Bass, Jimmy Womack, and Joe Foutch, Board member Hugh Washer was absent. Others at the ribbon cutting in addition to Chamber Director Suzanne Williams and President Isaac Gray were DUD Manager Jon Foutch, DUD attorney Keith Blair, and DUD water plant operator Andy Jacobs.
For the first time in its 50 year history, the DUD is now producing water on its own for the 5,300 customers it serves in either all or portions of DeKalb, Smith, Cannon, and Wilson counties.
DUD, which had been buying water from Smithville for many years, officially cut ties with the city in June.
The 2.0 million gallon per day water treatment plant (all under one roof) is the centerpiece of the project which also includes a new raw water intake structure and pump station on the Holmes Creek Embayment of the lake, an 18-inch diameter raw water transmission line from the pump station to the water plant, an 18-inch diameter finished water transmission line along Holmes Creek Road, Allen’s Ferry Road, and U.S. Highway 70; and new 8-inch diameter water distribution lines along Dry Creek Road, Game Ridge Road, Turner Road, Willis McGinnis Road, and Sparta Highway (Highway to Midway).
DUD Manager Jon Foutch said the plant is built for future expansion if the need should arise. “We are permitted through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pull 2.0 million gallons per day. Our plant can treat up to 3.0 million gallons per day. Currently, our average use is between 900,000 and 1.0 million gallons per day,” he said.
The project was funded at $16-million dollars however the DUD has not spent its total allocation.
Fund sources for the project included $5 million in loans at 2.75% interest over 38 years and $1.25 million in grants from USDA Rural Development. The utility was also approved for $500,000 in grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission; two loans through the State Revolving Fund Loan programs in amounts of $2 million and $7 million at .6% interest over 20 years; and a $500,000 forgiveness (grant) from the State Revolving Fund Program.
In October, 2014 the DUD awarded bids on the project. W&O Construction Company, Inc. of Livingston got the bid to build the water plant at $6.9 million. Judy Construction Company of Cynthiana, Kentucky performed construction on the raw water intake at $4.1 million and Hawkins and Price, LLC of Wartrace, Tennessee was awarded the bid for construction of the 18 inch Raw and Finished Water Transmission Lines at $1.8 million.
The original project cost was estimated to be $12-million dollars. To cover the additional costs, the DUD requested and was approved for a $4,000,000 loan increase to the Drinking Water Fund loan. (part of the funding package as referred to above)
The new DUD water treatment plant has two full time certified operators. In addition to Foutch, the General Manager, the DUD is staffed by five employees who answer service calls and maintain the distribution lines, three office employees, and an office manager. The utility is overseen by a five member board of directors including Roger Turney of Cannon County, who is the Board Chairman; Danny Bass of Smith County, and Joe Foutch, Hugh Washer, and Jimmy Womack of DeKalb County.
The DeKalb Utility District currently maintains more than 400 miles of main water lines in its four county service area.