Construction Begins on New 18,000 Square Foot Agriculture Center at Fairgrounds

March 26, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

A new 18,200 square foot agriculture center building is under construction at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds behind the commercial exhibit building.

When completed the center will serve as an indoor venue for farm and agriculture related events during the fair and throughout the year including a farmers market.  The fairgrounds will also be using five additional acres to expand parking.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture recently awarded a grant directly to the DeKalb County Fair Association to help fund the project.

According to Jeff McMillen, member of the Fair Board, the $400,000 center will be constructed in phases with the first phase (a new 100 x 150 square foot barn) expected to be finished by the end of May.

“We’re having to do this in phases because we don’t have the money to do the whole project at one time. Hopefully within a two to three year period we will have the total package completed. We’re looking at around $300,000 to $400,000 once we get the total building finished. Our goal is to get it useable for the cattle show and things of that sort for this year’s fair,” said McMillen.

The barn will feature a show arena for cattle shows and even small rodeos and horse shows. The agriculture center will also include a 40′ x 80’ heated and cooled space venue for exhibits and demonstrations during the fair and for meetings and activities throughout the year.

“It (exhibit hall) won’t be ready in time for this year’s fair but once completed we plan to use this portion of the center to display and exhibit during the fair agricultural related products grown or produced in DeKalb County.  Other times during the year, this area could be used or rented for various meetings. It will have a 2,200 square foot meeting area so there will be plenty of room for tables and chairs. It will have a small kitchen and concession area along with restrooms for men and women. It’s just another venue for people to rent space for events they have,” said McMillen.

Along with the grant and loans, the Fair Association is hoping to receive donations over time to help complete the new agriculture center. “This first phase we are doing just to get the building up and the concrete work done and all is going to cost about $220,000. We’re hoping to get enough donations and things of that sort over time to be able to fulfill other needs we have such as lighting, bathrooms and things like that,” McMillen continued.

McMillen said the new ag center will expand opportunities for showcasing more activities and events during the fair and will not replace any of the other current venues such as the Kenneth Sandlin Center or the Commercial Exhibit buildings. The existing barn will continue to be used for small events such as the poultry shows.

March 26, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Years of research tell us that even when we think teens aren’t listening to us, that they really are. Parents are their child’s first teacher and have the greatest influence on their physical, emotional, and sexual development. But, how do you grow a meaningful relationship with your teen? Join us to learn how! We’re starting a new series, called “Girl Talk, TOO” on….

April 4, 11, and 25 in the auditorium at the DeKalb County Complex.

 During this multi-week program, teen girls ages 12 – 16, will join their mother, or other trusted female adult, to learn about their changing bodies, behaviors, and beliefs. Fun and engaging activities will help grow relationships, setting a strong foundation for healthy and trusted communication so that teen girls will grow into women who are able to have healthy relationships. A light meal will be provided each night of the class.

The “Girl Talk, Too” classes are sponsored by UT DeKalb County Extension Service in cooperation with the DeKalb County Health Department and the DeKalb County Coordinator of School Health. The classes will be held on Thursday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Instructors include UT Extension Agent Dr. April Martin, Coordinator of School Health Elise Driver, Nurse Practitioner Dr. Gianna Owens, and Health Educator Megan Kinslow. Mothers and teens need to attend all sessions together. The class is limited to 11 adult/ youth pairs and pre-registration is required. Please call 615-597-4945 to pre-register.

March 25, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department has its first ever female officer.

During Monday night’s regular monthly county commission meeting, County Fire Chief Donny Green announced that Kristie Johnson has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

“After meeting stringent leadership testing and training requirements, Kristie Johnson was promoted to Lieutenant on March 11. During officer testing Kristie successfully passed all phases of written testing and practical skills testing. She has served with the department since 2011 and has served as a station commander and safety officer. We are proud to have Kristie as a member of our leadership team. She is the first ever female officer of the DeKalb County Fire Department since it began in 1975,” said Chief Green.

Other members of the fire department’s leadership team in addition to Chief Green and Lieutenant Johnson are Assistant Chief Anthony Boyd, Captains Jay Cantrell, Brian Williams and Michael Lawrence, and Lieutenant Dusty Johnson (Kristie’s husband) .

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