County officials here and across the state are getting a pay raise this year.
Compensation for most county officials is governed by state law which establishes the minimum for Assessors of Property, County Clerks, Clerks of Court, Trustees, Registers of Deeds, County Mayors, Sheriffs, and Highway Officials. This law provides for an automatic increase in the minimum salary each year based on the percentage increase given to state employees for the previous fiscal year. The state commissioner of finance and administration certified on October 6, 2016, that state employees received an average increase of 6.38 percent for the fiscal year 2017-2018.
The salaries of the county officials are partly based on the population class of the county and the office. Not all office holders earn the same amount of pay.
Under state law:
*The County Mayor’s compensation shall be at least 5% higher than the salary paid to any other county constitutional officer.
*The Sheriff’s salary shall be at least 10% higher than the salary paid to the general officers of the county.
*The Road Supervisor’s compensation shall be at least 10% higher than the salary paid to the general officers of the county.
*The salary of the General Sessions Judge is to be increased annually in the same manner as state court judges, which is the actual percentage change in the consumer price index. The salary of the General Sessions Court Judge will increase by 1.3% for the coming fiscal year.
*The Administrator of Elections salary is 90% of the base salary of the Assessor of Property.
The new salary schedule as set by the state for DeKalb County is as follows:
General Sessions/Juvenile Court Judge: $92,158 per year, up by 1.3% from $90,975
County Mayor: $79,326 per year, up from $75,329.
Road Supervisor: $75,550, up from $71,743,
Sheriff: $75,550, up from $71,743
Trustee: $68,682, up from $65,221
County Clerk: $68,682, up from $65,221
Circuit Court Clerk: $68,682, up from $65,221
Clerk and Master: $68,682, up from $65,221
Register of Deeds: $68,682, up from $65,221
Assessor of Property: $68,682, up from $65,221
Administrator of Elections: $61,633, up from $58,699

18 year old Tyra Grace Graham is the 2017 DeKalb County Fairest of the Fair.
Graham, daughter of Kyle and Doris Graham of Smithville, won the crown Monday evening during the annual pageant held on opening night of the DeKalb County Fair in Alexandria.
Three contestants competed for the title.
The new queen succeeds last year’s winner, 19 year old Bethany Brooke Poss, daughter of John and Lori Poss of Smithville.
18 year old Hannah Renea Walker was named first runner-up and Miss Congeniality. She is the daughter of Scott and Misty Walker of Smithville.
Second runner-up was 18 year old Susan Marie Webb, daughter of C.D. and Cindy Webb of Dowelltown. Webb was also selected Most Photogenic.
(VIEW VIDEO FROM CALF ROPING AT DEKALB COUNTY FAIR MONDAY NIGHT)

The DeKalb County Fair will feature the following events tonight (Tuesday)
•Little Mister (4-6) Lions Pavilion 6:00 p.m
•Little Miss (4-6) Lions Pavilion following
•Antique Tractor Pull TC McMillen Arena 7:00 p.m.
•Corn Hole Tournament Grandstand 7:00 p.m.
•(2) $500 Cash Drawing Lions Pavilion 9:30 p.m.
Memory Lane Stage Events sponsored by Wilson Bank & Trust
•Tuesday Night – July 18
* 6:30 – 7:30 pm – Donny Barthelemy
• 7:45 – 8:45 pm – Collins Family Revival
Rides on the Midway by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available for $16.00 on Tuesday night; $14.00 on Wednesday and $18.00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Admission to the fair is $4.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibit building is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 615-529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com.

The 2017 Junior Fair Princess of the DeKalb County Fair is 14 year old Ellisyn Kelsey Cripps, daughter of Troy and Jamie Cripps of Smithville.
She succeeds the 2016 Junior Fair Princess, Abigail Hope Taylor, the 16 year old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville.
Cripps was among ten young ladies ages 13-16 who competed for the crown on the opening night of the DeKalb County Fair Monday.
The first runner-up was Madison Rae Rackley,the 14 year old daughter of Gordon and Jessica Rackley of Smithville.
Second runner-up was Shaunta Rose Koegler, the 16 year old daughter of Brian and Leticia Koegler of Smithville.
Monica Mashay Carlton was third runner-up. She is the 14 year old daughter of Leroy and Amanda Hale and Travis and Toni Carlton of Smithville.
The fourth runner-up was Keirstine Robinson, the 13 year old daughter of Nick and Stacey Robinson of Dowelltown.
The title of Miss Congeniality went to 14 year old Hailey Bogle, daughter of Bud and Jenny Bogle of Smithville.
14 year old Alexis Grace Atnip, daughter of Veronica Atnip of Smithville was named Most Photogenic.
Others in the pageant were 15 year old Lauren Rebecca Boles, daughter of Rachel and Perry Boles of Alexandria; 16 year old Kaitlyn Brianna Bain, daughter of Larry and Rachel Bain of Smithville; and 13 year old Mackenzie Leigh Sprague, daughter of Wanda Sprague of Smithville.
The DeKalb County Fair will feature the following events tonight (Tuesday)
•Little Mister (4-6) Lions Pavilion 6:00 p.m
•Little Miss (4-6) Lions Pavilion following
•Antique Tractor Pull TC McMillen Arena 7:00 p.m.
•Corn Hole Tournament Grandstand 7:00 p.m.
•(2) $500 Cash Drawing Lions Pavilion 9:30 p.m.
Memory Lane Stage Events sponsored by Wilson Bank & Trust
•Tuesday Night – July 18
* 6:30 – 7:30 pm – Donny Barthelemy
• 7:45 – 8:45 pm – Collins Family Revival
Rides on the Midway by the Family Attractions Amusement Company. Unlimited rides will be available for $16.00 on Tuesday night; $14.00 on Wednesday and $18.00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Admission to the fair is $4.00 per person. Children age four and younger will be admitted free! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibit building is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Parking is Free!
For more information, call 615-529-FAIR or visit on-line at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com.

This week’s “Classroom Champion” award goes to DeKalb West School student Alley Beth Cook.
The award was presented recently by Smithville Attorney Jim Judkins.
Cook is the daughter of Troy and Julie Cook.
A seventh grader this past year, Alley Beth is active in her youth group at Salem Baptist Church and is a member of the school’s FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Her favorite subject is Math. Her plans are to pursue a career in Teaching. This school year will mark her fourth year as a player on the Lady Bulldogs team and a member of the Junior Beta Club.
In an effort to recognize achievements of students in the DeKalb County School System, WJLE has partnered with attorney Judkins in featuring a “Classroom Champion” each week.
The name of the student selected each week will be announced on WJLE and will be featured on the WJLE website. Each student winning will receive a plaque and a gift certificate.
“This is our way of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the future citizens and leaders of the community. It can benefit their learning and overall school atmosphere and climate. The students’ selection is based on academic performance, responsibility and work ethic, leadership abilities, and citizenship and character,” said Judkins.

To prevent the spread of diseases and to keep kids of all ages and their classmates safe, healthy and in school learning, all students in Tennessee, from kindergarten to college, must have proof of immunizations before they can start school. State leaders of health and education say it’s best to get those important vaccines now to avoid longer wait times later and to ensure a smooth beginning to the 2017 school year.
“As a parent, there is a lot on our plate before a new school year, but as a physician I know one of the most important is getting vaccinated to prevent communicable diseases that can quickly spread in group settings like schools,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “Beat the rush and give the vaccine time to start working. See your healthcare provider or local health department and help our kids get a great start.”
“All classroom time is important, including those first days of a new school year when teachers and students are building their routines and relationships,” said Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Candice McQueen. “By having all necessary paperwork and documentation of immunizations in place, parents help to ensure their children will not miss any valuable learning time.”
“Parents and students may not be aware of some required immunizations for college admission, including those to prevent meningococcal meningitis, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and in some cases Hepatitis B,” said Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora Tydings. “It’s best to contact the school as early as possible to learn what is needed so important classroom hours are not missed and communicable diseases prevented.”
Requirements for school vaccinations in Tennessee include:
Kindergarteners and other children enrolling in a Tennessee school for the first time must provide schools with a complete Official Tennessee Immunization Certificate before classes begin. The certificate must be signed by a qualified healthcare provider or verified by the state’s Immunization Information System.
All current students entering seventh grade are required to give the school a limited Official Tennessee Immunization Certificate showing they have had a second dose of chickenpox vaccine (or a history of the illness) and a booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The HPV cancer vaccine and first meningococcal meningitis vaccine are not required for school attendance, but are recommended by pediatricians and public health experts for all children at this age and can be given at the same visit.
Incoming college students in Tennessee public colleges who will live in on-campus housing must provide proof of immunization against meningococcal meningitis after age 16. Most private colleges also have requirements for this vaccine and some schools require it of all new students. Check with your college for details.
For more information about school immunization requirements in Tennessee, visit http://tn.gov/health/article/required-immunizations.
The Tennessee Department of Health encourages all parents of preteens and teens to ask their healthcare providers about getting the human papillomavirus or HPV vaccine, which can protect against a variety of HPV-associated cancers than can develop over a lifetime. The HPV vaccine is available through most healthcare providers and all county health departments. Children and teens under age 19 without private insurance coverage for the vaccine may receive HPV vaccine and all other routine vaccines through most healthcare providers and all health departments for only a small administration fee through the federal Vaccines for Children program. To learn more about HPV, visit www.cdc.gov/hpv/index.html.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.

Matthew Sinclair of Carthage won the DeKalb County Fair 5K and Fun Run Saturday.
Sinclair was the overall winner of the race, which was held on West Main Street in Alexandria. He ran the course in 17:34.
Aaron Gottlied took second place in the race and Daren Oakley came in third place.
Maddux Pyburn won the Fun Run at 12:20
Other winners in the 5K were:
Ages 12 and younger:
1st place: Kaleb Spears
2nd place: Mara Oakley
Women:
1st place: Doris Graham
2nd place: Andy Armstrong
3rd place: Kelly Pyburn
Seniors
1st place: Mark Sullivan
2nd place: Brenda Hooper
All proceeds will go to the American Legion, a non-profit organization in DeKalb County in support of veterans.
With the race being held this year in support of veterans, Race Director Matt Boss said it was an honor to have a veteran compete in the run.
Daren Oakley of DeKalb County finished in third place in the 5K. He returned home in October, 2016 after having served four years in the U.S. Army.
“I served four years in the military police corps in Washington State. I was deployed for nine months at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,” said Oakley.
“I was anxious to get back to DeKalb County. I really missed the races including the Fiddler 5K. I wanted to do the DeKalb Fair race last year but I didn’t get back in time. I raced in the Fiddler 5K this year and I participate pretty much anywhere there is a race in Middle Tennessee,” added Oakley.

Northside Elementary School students will soon have an opportunity to take their studies outdoors.
The Board of Education Thursday night gave approval for Thomas Webb, a member of Boy Scout Troop 347, to build a 20’ x 30’ outdoor classroom at Northside Elementary for his Eagle Scout project. Webb told the board that the proposed outdoor classroom will be the same type pavilion as was built last year at DeKalb Middle School through fund raising efforts of the student council there.
“For my Eagle Scout Project I would like to construct an outdoor classroom at Northside Elementary School identical to the one at DeKalb Middle School. This will provide an alternate learning environment that will enrich the students’ school experience and help foster an appreciation for nature,” said Webb.
Webb has also received approved for the project from the administration of the school and Director Patrick Cripps.
“Thomas came in and met with me as well. I give him kudos for doing that (project). For a young man to come in and take this initiative, I appreciate that,” said Director Cripps.
The pavilion will have a 20’ x 30’ concrete floor with a wooden frame and a metal roof. It will be on the grounds of Northside Elementary School. The exact location will be determined later. The anticipated completion date is Thanksgiving, 2017. Webb will work with skilled contractors to complete the project and it will be funded with money raised by Webb and other members of Boy Scout Troop 347.
In other business, Cripps updated the board on personnel moves since last month.
Jennifer Sykes has been granted a leave of absence as requested.
Randy Jennings has been transferred from DeKalb Middle School to Principal at DCHS
The following have resigned:
Gina Arnold, Supervisor of Special Education
Lisa Neal, teacher at Smithville Elementary School
Kenneth Taylor, bus driver
Kathryn Wisinger, ESL teacher

A man accused of downloading child pornography onto his laptop computer has been arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor.
37 year old Winston Puckett of Charlie Brown Lane, Granville will make a court appearance July 20 in DeKalb County General Sessions Court. He is under a $250,000 bond.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 7/10/2017 Thru: 7/17/2017)
Seagate Crystal Reports – REPOR_30.pdf (3.66 MB)
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Thursday, July 13 a search warrant was executed by a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department Detective on a Dell laptop computer belonging to Puckett. The computer was in Puckett’s possession on June 27 when it was turned over to law enforcement. The search warrant revealed over 400 images of child pornography that had been downloaded to the computer.