(UPDATED) Fatality on the Caney Fork, DeKalb County

October 29, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

A 69-year-old, Cannon County man drowned Saturday on the Caney Fork River in DeKalb County.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) officers responded to a call of an overturned kayak just after 11:00 a.m. (CDT).

The man , Robert Lester and his wife, from Auburntown left the Buffalo Valley Boat Ramp by kayak. The man’s kayak struck a tree and flipped. Rescuers searched the area, and the body was found in eight feet of water by Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter, less than 100 yards from where the man overturned. DeKalb County Sheriff, DeKalb County Rescue, Smith County Rescue, The Army Corp of Engineers, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol assisted in rescue efforts.

The man was not wearing a lifejacket. His body was recovered and taken to Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital. This incident remains under investigation. Mrs. Lester, in a separate kayak at the time, was not injured.

October 29, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

The Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree & Crafts Festival is getting a new cover (canopy/awning) for its stage thanks to a $75,000 Tourism Enhancement Grant from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

The Jamboree has been without one since 2019 when a summer storm just days before the annual festival blew down and damaged the canopy and support beams.
A total of 29 communities across the state were awarded a share of $2.22 million in Tourism Enhance Grants.

The City of Smithville applied for the grant on behalf of the Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree & Crafts Festival Board of Directors. The $7,500 local matching portion of the grant will be funded by the Jamboree Board. There will be no cost to the city.

“We are so excited to finally get the cover back for the Jamboree stage to shade the singers, musicians, and dancers during their competitions,” said Kim Driver Luton, Jamboree Board President. “We also want to thank the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen for their support in helping the Jamboree Board secure this grant funding,” she added.

“The Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival is Smithville’s largest summer tourist attraction and the Aldermen and I are happy that we could show our support for it in this manner. I know the stage cover will be a great asset to the Jamboree for years to come,” said Mayor Josh Miller.

Tennessee’s Tourism Enhancement Grants support cities and counties seeking to invest in their local tourism assets, lift visitation and increase economic impact. Eligible projects include stages, signage, historic preservation, ADA compliancy and other improvements to local attractions and venues.

“Tourism is vital for the growth and sustainability of communities throughout Tennessee, especially in our rural communities,” said Melanie Beauchamp, Assistant Commissioner of Rural Tourism and Outreach, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “These projects create opportunities for visitors, enhance the quality of life for residents and ultimately, bring more funds back into the communities.”

“We’ve seen first-hand how tourism can transform communities,” added Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Tourism development is economic development, and these investments are essential to Governor Lee’s mission to expand opportunity for rural Tennesseans.”

ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality.

October 28, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Tigers kept it close for much of the game Friday night but Upperman pulled away in the second half for a 26-7 finish at Baxter wrapping up a perfect 10-0 regular season. The Tigers end the campaign at 5-5 heading into the state playoffs next Friday night, November 3.

Upperman is the Region 4-4A regular season champs at 5-0 and will host a first-round state play-off game next week against East Ridge (4-6). The Tigers, with a 3-3 region record, finished in 4th place and will travel for their first-round state play-off game at Chattanooga Red Bank (7-3)

The Tigers and Bees played to a scoreless tie through the 1st period Friday night but Upperman broke through for the first points of the game with 4:07 left in the 2nd period as Ethan Palk took it in from 2 yards out completing an 86-yard drive. Sebastian Stanfill came on for the extra point and the Bees were on the board 7-0.

Upperman tried to tack on a 34-yard field goal just before halftime but the attempt was no good.

The Bees extended their lead with 7:21 left in the 3rd period on a 52 yard pass play from Bronzden Chaffin to Branson Turnbow. The PAT try was no good but Upperman held a 13-0 advantage.

The Tigers’ only touchdown of the night came on a 10-yard run by Marquez Chalfant with 4:43 left in the 3rd period capping a 67-yard drive. Adrian Prater added the extra point and DeKalb County trailed 13-7.

Upperman added to their lead with 1:34 left in the 3rd period on a 4-yard touchdown run by Jaxson Rollins completing a 70-yard drive. A 2-point conversion attempt failed but the Bees were on top 19-7.

Ethan Palk scored his second rushing touchdown of the game with 6:39 left in the 4th period capping a 55-yard drive. Stanfill’s PAT was good, and the Bees went on to claim a 26-7 victory.

Here are the Region standings: The top four teams have earned a state play-off berth.

Upperman: 10-0: Overall, 6-0-Region

Macon County: 9-1 Overall, 5-1 Region

Stone Memorial: 6-4 Overall, 4-2 Region

DeKalb County: 5-5 Overall, 3-3 Region

White County: 5-5, 2-4 Region

Livingston Academy: 3-7 Overall, 1-5 Region

Cumberland County: 3-7 Overall, 0-6 Region

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