Attention Nursery Producers!

January 1, 2025
By:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, aimed at helping specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs, is now accepting applications through Jan. 8, 2025.

To be eligible for MASC, a producer must be in business at the time of application, maintain an ownership share and share in the risk of producing a specialty crop that will be sold in calendar year 2025.

MASC covers the following commercially marketed specialty crops:

•Fruits (fresh, dried);
•Vegetables (including dry edible beans and peas, mushrooms, and vegetable seed);
•Tree nuts;
•Nursery crops, Christmas trees, and floriculture;
•Culinary and medicinal herbs and spices; and
•Honey, hops, maple sap, tea, turfgrass and grass seed.

Eligible established specialty crop producers can apply for MASC benefits by completing the FSA-1140, Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) Program Application, and submitting the form to any FSA county office by Jan. 8, 2025. When applying, eligible specialty crop producers must certify their specialty crop sales for calendar year 2023 or 2024.

New specialty crop producers are required to certify 2025 expected sales, submit an FSA-1141 application and provide certain documentation to support reported sales i.e., receipts, contracts, acreage reports, input receipts, etc.

For MASC program participation, eligible specialty crop sales only include sales of commercially marketed raw specialty crops grown in the United States by the producer. The portion of sales derived from adding value to a specialty crop (such as sorting, processing, or packaging) is not included when determining eligible sales.

For established specialty crop growers, FSA will calculate MASC payments based on the producer’s total specialty crop sales for the calendar year elected by the producer. Payments for new producers will be based on their expected 2025 calendar year sales.

FSA will issue MASC payments after the end of the application period. If demand for MASC payments exceeds available funding, MASC payments may be prorated, and the payment limitation of $125,000 may be lowered. If additional funding is available after MASC payments are issued, FSA may issue an additional payment.

December 31, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

The top local sports story of the year came in September as the DeKalb Saints battled the Avery Trace Red Raiders into four overtimes before claiming a 26 to 18 victory for the Championship of the Upper Cumberland Conference at Cookeville completing an undefeated 10-0 season. It was their first conference title since 2018. Avery Trace finished the year at 9-1 as the defending conference champion. Making the All-Conference team for the DeKalb Saints were Levi Cripps, Reed Midgett, Collin Donnell, Gavin Frazier and William Soto.

Also ranking among the top local sports stories of the year 2024 are as follows:

*The DCHS Lady Tigers competed in the Division IAA State Golf Tournament in October at the Sevierville Golf Club and finished in 6th place, 24 strokes behind 1st place Page High School and 35 strokes better than their 2023 performance. The overall record for the year was 40-6. Chloe Boyd, a sophomore, finished in 4th place. Alison Poss, a senior, finished an incredible high school career with a 39th place finish. Emily Anderson, a junior, finished tied for 44th.

*DCHS cross country standout, Ben Driver, set a new personal record at the Division I A-AA State Cross Country Championships, which was held in November at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville. He covered the 3.1 mile course with a PR of 18:41 which was 16 seconds faster than his time at the Regional Championships on October 29th at Macon County High School.

*DCHS graduate Kaleb Spears wrapped up his senior track season competing at the TSSAA- DI State Track and Field Championship Meet on May 23rd at the Dean A. Hayes stadium at MTSU. The University of Milligan signee qualified in the 400-meter dash and posted a time of 50.9 seconds, finishing 15th overall. Spears broke his own school record in this event two times over the course of the season with a personal record of 50.13 seconds. Congratulations to Kaleb for representing DeKalb and Warren County’s track and field program with such dedication and leadership.

*The DeKalb County Junior Football Tigers went undefeated on the season, 9-0, and won the Middle Tennessee Youth Football Conference Super Bowl. The team shut out Fentress County, 14–0, in October at Crossville to claim the championship.

*The DeKalb Fishing Team made an impressive showing at the two-day state championship held on Kentucky Lake from May 31st to June 1st. Among the standout performances, Braden Mangin displayed his angling prowess, securing a total of 2.97 pounds with one fish over the two-day event. Tyler Dunn and Jaxon Humphrey’s combined efforts yielded a commendable total of 9.27 pounds, reeling in four fish during the championship. However, it was Mason Taylor and Wesley Kent who truly shone, amassing an impressive total of 28.57 pounds from ten fish, securing a notable 15th place in the competition. Their outstanding achievement was duly recognized, as they were awarded a scholarship check for their remarkable performance. Notably, Jaxon Humphrey was also honored with the prestigious Hunter Northcutt Scholarship Check, further adding to the team’s accolades. The DeKalb Fishing Team’s success at the state championship exemplifies their dedication, skill, and competitive spirit, solidifying their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the angling community.

*Several members of the Dekalb Fishing Team competed in the Central Tn Bass Nation High School Tournament on Dale Hollow Lake on Nov. 2nd,. The girls team made up of Carly Thomas and Kaylee Kent came up empty handed however the other teams did bring fish to the scales. Bill Stanton & Braeden Mangin had 1 fish for 1.55 while Rowan Miller & Tyler Dunn had 2 fish for 2.74. The newest team members Jacob Johnson & Slade Bennet came in with 2 fish for 5.09 pounds. Mason Taylor & Wesley Kent had a 5 fish limit with 13.45 and came in 7th place and managed to cut a scholarship check. Mason & Wesley are ranked 3rd on the Central Tn Bass Nation High School Trail.

*Another first! Almost two years ago DCHS teacher and coach Danielle Tyson Horton made history by becoming the first ever female head coach of the Tigerette softball program. Horton has done it again by being named the first ever coach of the newly created DCHS girls volleyball program which launched its inaugural season in the summer of 2024. In addition to volleyball, Coach Horton continued to lead the girls softball program as well until she later switched roles with her assistant softball coach Ethan Duke,

*Outstanding senior defensive lineman Wil Farris, who blazed a trail over his award-winning four-year football career at DCHS, will be aiming to do the same starting next season at the college level. Accompanied by members of his family, coaches, and fellow Tiger football players at DCHS, Farris signed a letter of intent in February with Cumberland University in Lebanon to play for the Phoenix. Farris will graduate from DCHS in May as a member of the Class of 2024.

*A DeKalb County High School track runner will soon be sprinting off to college in full stride! Kaleb Spears, a senior, signed papers in February committing to Milligan University to join the Buffaloes next year. He was joined at the signing by family, friends, and coaches. It was during his middle school years that Spears became a runner in cross country and he continued participating in the sport at high school, but he really took off as a sprinter when he joined the DCHS/Warren County cooperative track program as a sophomore. Just last year as a junior, Kaleb set a school (Warren County) record placing 1st overall at Franklin County High School’s Sub-Sectional meet, with a personal best of 51.65 seconds. It was the third time Spears had broken the school’s record and his own in the same season.

*Senior Ari White was named Most Valuable Player of the 2023 DCHS Tiger Football Team during the annual Awards Banquet held in January at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center building. Meanwhile, Ally Fuller, a Senior received the Most Valuable Football Cheerleader Award. The trophies, sponsored by Liberty State Bank, were presented to White and Fuller respectively by Tiger Football Coach Steve Trapp and Cheer Coach Amanda Fuller, Ally’s mother. Although MVP Ari White made his mark on defense for the Tigers and was awarded the Region’s Most Outstanding Linebacker, Tiger Coach Steve Trapp said he was often used in other positions because of his athletic talent and versatility.

*Three DCHS basketball players earned All-District honors in 2024. Senior Tiger Conner Close was named to the 1st Team All-District while Senior Lady Tiger Ella VanVranken made the 2nd Team All-District. Sophomore Lady Tiger Chloe VanVranken received Honorable Mention.

*Seniors Conner Close and Ella VanVranken were named the DCHS Tiger and Lady Tiger basketball Most Valuable Players in April at the annual team banquet, while Senior Elaina Turner is the Most Valuable Cheerleader. The awards were sponsored by Love-Cantrell Funeral Home and presented by Chad and Shelia Kirby. The MVP and MVC awards are named in memory of Kirby’s grandfather Allen D. Hooper. For Close, it’s an MVP three-peat as he won the team’s highest award his sophomore and junior seasons as well. During his high school career Close scored a total of 1,287 points. He notched his 1,000th career point on December 12, 2023 at home against Smith County. In addition to being named MVP, Close earned awards for being the team’s Best Offensive Player and he was selected to the 1st Team All-District 7AAA. Close and Dallas Kirby also made the DTC All-Star Team. For VanVranken, it was her second straight MVP award. She is also a member of the 1,000-point club at DCHS having reached that milestone as a junior during her 2022-23 season. This year, VanVranken made the 2nd Team All-District.

*Elliot Barnes received the Upper Cumberland Conference All Tournament award for the DeKalb Middle School Saints basketball. The ceremony was held after the championship game at Upperman Middle School.

*The season came to a close for the DCHS Tigerette fast pitch softball team in May. After losing to Upperman in the region tournament championship game in Smithville, the Tigerettes traveled to Soddy Daisy for the Class 3A sectionals and lost 13 to 1. The Tigerettes wrapped up the year at 20-14 overall with a District 7-3A championship. Tigerette Pitcher Kora Kilore was the District Tournament MVP while fellow Tigerettes Elaina Turner, Rylee Wilbur, and Bri Murphy were also named to the All-Tournament Team. For the regular season, Kora Kilgore was Pitcher of the Year. Bryna Pelham took Defensive MVP honors and Rylee Wilbur was awarded as Freshman of the Year. Members of the Regular Season All Freshman Team were Brooklyn Fuson and Hannah Brown while Gracie Randolph, Bri Murphy, Raylie Cowan, and Zayleigh Bain made the All-District Team-Regular Season. Meanwhile, the DCHS Tiger Baseball Team, District Tournament runners-up, concluded their season in the Region Tournament with a 13-1 loss to Lawrence County at Tullahoma.

*Something to cheer about! Family and friends of DCHS football cheerleader Allyson Fuller gathered at DCHS in May to celebrate her signing with Tennessee Tech University where she will be joining the Golden Eagles’ cheerleading team next season. Sydney Hickerson, Tech’s head coach of cheer and dance was also on hand for the signing. Fuller, an outstanding high school student and cheerleader, graduated in May from DeKalb County High School and will be furthering her education at Tech toward a career path in nursing. She is the daughter of Anthony and Amanda Fuller. Ally received the 2023 DCHS Most Valuable Football Cheerleader Award during the team banquet in January. Ally’s mother Amanda, who has been the DCHS football cheer coach, said she could not be prouder of her talented daughter.

*A Brentwood teen repeated as the overall winner of the Fiddler 5K and One Mile Fun Run Saturday, July 6. For the 26th annual Fiddler 5K, 17-year-old Callahan Fielder ran the course in 16:43. His time last year was 16:16 seconds. Meanwhile, the overall female winner was 13-year-old Camryn Maynor of Baxter with a time of 21:14. She came in 12th overall. The race featured 276 runners. Winners in other categories were: TOP MALE MASTERS (Age 40 and older): 62-year-old James Angel of Smithville at 19:46. TOP FEMALE MASTERS (Age 40 and older): 42-year-old Rachel Mahan at 24: 36. One-Mile Fun Run (age 12 and younger) winners: TOP MALE: 12-year-old A. Herndon of Kingsport at 7:43. TOP FEMALE: 11-year-old C. Farmer of Dowelltown at 8:14. Funds raised will support Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County.

*Payne Denman joined Tennessee’s men’s golf coaching staff as an assistant coach in August, according to head coach Brennan Webb. Denman joined Webb and fellow assistant coach Bo Andrews, who are each entering their seventh season on Rocky Top in 2024-25. “We are excited to add Payne to our staff,” said Webb. “As a world class amateur player who still competes at the elite levels of amateur golf, Payne brings a unique perspective to our program that will be a tremendous resource for our players. Denman spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at MTSU. During the 2023-24 season, Denman helped guide Middle Tennessee to a team win at the Daniel Island Intercollegiate and he aided in the development of his players individually and ultimately saw five Blue Raiders earn All-CUSA awards.

*DeKalb County High School is sending another outstanding athlete to the college ranks. Kora Kilgore, 17-year-old daughter of John and Ginda Kilgore, and star pitcher on the Tigerette fast pitch softball team signed in November with Anderson University to play for the Trojans after she graduates next May. The school is located in Anderson South Carolina. Members of her family and coaches past and present joined Kora for the signing.

*Six members of the 2024 DCHS Tiger Football Team earned Region 4 Superlative honors. Tiger signal caller Jordan Parker was named the Region’s Most Outstanding Quarterback for the 2024 season while Jarett Hamilton was selected as the Region’s Most Outstanding Tight End. Meanwhile, Ty Webb and Ryan Lyons were selected to the 1st Team All Region while Jon Hendrix and Cecil Ketchum made the 2nd Team All Region. The Tigers finished the season 6-4.

*More than 40 years after he coached his last DeKalb County High School basketball game, the late legendary coach Harold Luna was recognized during the DCHS basketball games as they played host to Cannon County in December. Last year, the Board of Education voted to name the DCHS gym floor in honor of Coach Luna, who passed away in December, 2022 at the age of 85. A brief ceremony was held between the boys and girls games to dedicate the naming of the gym floor in honor of Coach Luna. Luna coached both boys and girls at DeKalb County High School from 1964-69, then began coaching the boys program only until 1984. His total record was 516-179.

*DCHS baseball senior Ty Webb is looking forward to his last season as a Tiger coming soon, but the star catcher is equally excited about his next move after high school playing days. In December, Webb’s family, friends, and coaches celebrated Ty’s signing with Maryville College to play for the Scots baseball team. The celebration was held at the DCHS auditorium. Webb, son of Tad and Tracy Webb, said Maryville College seemed to be the best fit for him and along with playing baseball he plans to study civil engineering.

December 31, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

The county took on several major issues in 2024 including plans for construction of a new elementary school and implementation of the county powers act to regulate undesirable land uses but none was as controversial as whether to build a new jail or judicial center.

For months the county commission met with an architect and construction company and others on plans and costs for construction of a new facility to satisfy requirements of the Tennessee Corrections Institute. Since 2019, the county has been under a plan of action with TCI to make measurable progress toward remedying jail deficiencies with some type of building program. In August 2023, TCI reduced the number of certifiable beds in the DeKalb County Jail from 102 to 52. Sheriff Patrick Ray has since been housing inmates in other jails which has become costly to the county and ran overbudget this year 2024-25.

With talk of building a new jail, came a discussion about lack of security and space at the courthouse, which led to planning for a new judicial center to house all the court related facilities, sheriff’s department, and jail in one complex. And although properties were considered for such a facility, including at the existing jail location downtown, still none has been selected.

The commission was divided on what to build, either a judicial center or jail, but in June with adoption of the new budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, a 51 cent property tax increase was approved for debt service to fund the costs of building a new 190 bed jail/judicial center along with an initial bond resolution authorizing the county to borrow up to $65 million for the project. The vote was 7 to 7 on both the tax increase and the bond resolution but County Mayor Matt Adcock, as Chairman of the Commission, cast the tiebreaking vote in each case. In addition, the commission called for a public referendum to be held in the November election for a $50 wheel tax which would have also been used for the judicial center project. Funds from the wheel tax would have offset somewhat, the property tax hike and perhaps brought the 51 cents down to a lower level in the future.

A provision in the bond resolution gave the public an opportunity to petition against the issuance of bonds and call for a referendum and that’s what occurred in the weeks that followed. A successful petition drive was organized under the name DeKalb Citizens for Responsible Taxation forcing a public referendum.

In the November election, DeKalb County voters soundly defeated both referendums regarding the proposed $50 wheel tax and the issuance of general obligation bonds not to exceed $65 million for a judicial center/jail.

In December, the Tennessee Corrections Institute Board of Control met in Nashville and voted to continue certification of the DeKalb County Jail for 52 male inmates another year under a plan of action upon the recommendation of TCI Deputy Director Bob Bass. Two days after the referendum vote in November, the county commission’s jail committee met with Bass who warned them that if they did not commit to building a jail, he would not recommend to the TCI Board continued certification of the jail under a plan of action. The commission, at that jail committee meeting, voted unanimously to pursue only the jail model.

Bass, who is soon retiring from his position as TCI Deputy Director, will remain as a consultant and he plans to meet with the jail committee again on January 6 to give advice on the next step in this process.

While the county is still struggling with the jail issue, it has charted a path forward toward construction of a new 800 student elementary school without raising property taxes again if it can secure agreements with the four municipalities in the county to extend their existing local option sales tax agreements with the county by 18 years through the year 2055. Three of the four cities have already agreed to do that along with the Board of Education, but Alexandria is the lone holdout. Smithville’s agreement was made conditional upon the county issuing bonds for a new school within one year. During the December meeting, the county commission voted to extend the January 1, 2025 deadline until February 1, 2025 to give Alexandria city leaders more time to act.

Under the sales tax agreements with the county, which are set to expire in 13 years on July 16, 2037, the cities turn over to the county for schools a greater percentage of their local option sales tax collections than they would otherwise be required to do. That money goes into what is called the Local Purpose Tax Fund for Schools to help fund school operation and debt. Officials say the county must be able to count on that extra sales tax money coming in from the cities over the life of the 30-year bond up to $55 million to build a new school in order to cover the costs without having to use or raise property taxes to fund it. Earlier in the year, the county commission had asked the Board of Education to contribute $2 million of its reserves to help fund construction of a new school but the board rejected the request.

Meanwhile, in September, the county commission authorized a study by the planning commission toward possible eventual county-wide zoning and followed that up with passage of the county powers act in October after neighbors in the Snow Hill Community discovered in late July that a quarry, Smyrna Ready Mix had started blasting on Driver Road. Later, residents in the Liberty/Alexandria area learned that another quarry operation was planned by Jones Brothers on Old Highway 53 at Liberty and then came word that McMinnville Energy LLC was putting in a cryptocurrency mining operation on South College Street just outside the Smithville City Limits.

In November due to perceived inaction of county powers act enforcement, residents who live near the quarry locations, showed up at a county commission workshop meeting to question why the county had not done more.

In December the commission voted to have County Attorney Hilton Conger send all three companies a letter with an application as per the county powers act. On the application the companies may request an exemption and explain why they should be grandfathered. It would then be up to the county whether or not to grant the request.

Under the regulatory resolution, which was approved by the county commission on October 28 “No quarry, rock crusher or gravel pit, cryptocurrency mine, landfill, adult entertainment, or methadone clinic may be located within 5,000 feet of a residence, school, licensed daycare facility, park, recreation center, church, retail, commercial, professional, or industrial establishment. Measurements shall be taken from the nearest recorded property line of the business to the nearest property line or boundary of the foregoing”. The effective date of the regulations was October 28, 2024. However, according to the grandfather clause of the resolution the distance requirements shall not apply to quarries, rock crushers or gravel pits, cryptocurrency mine, landfill, adult entertainment or methadone clinics “in existence and in operation” on October 28, 2024.

Residents opposed to the quarries and cryptocurrency mine said Jones Brothers and McMinnville Energy were not in operation when the county powers act resolution was adopted on October 28 and are still not in operation now. They also claim that SRM had not applied for their TDOT permit prior to passage of the county powers act and that they had operated for a few days illegally without any Tennessee state permit resulting in the state subsequently stopping them from operating. According to the residents, this happened again recently, and they (SRM) were told to remove all equipment.

« First ‹ Previous 1 5 6 78 9 17 107 2503 Next › Last »