
News
December 5, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Get ready to embrace the spirit of the season as Smithville gears up for an unforgettable holiday celebration. The Smithville Christmas Parade and the 23rd Annual “Christmas on the Square” are again joining forces to make Saturday, December 7th, a day filled with joy, festivities, and cherished memories.
The Smithville Christmas Parade will kick off the festivities at 4 PM, but the line-up for the participants begins at 2 PM at the New Life Connection Center, 750 S. Congress Blvd., Smithville. The parade route will commence from the New Life Connection Center, proceeding along South Congress Blvd. and culminating in the heart of Downtown Smithville Square. Grand Marshalls for the parade will be this year’s Mr. DeKalb County – Smithville Mayor Josh Miller, and Ms. DeKalb County – Smithville Alderman Beth Chandler. Honorary Grand Marshalls will be Aaron and Thea Tippin.
Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker has issued the following statement about the parade on Saturday.
“The city will block vehicles from entering the north side of the public square around 12 noon on Saturday. East Main Street and Walnut Street will also be blocked for pedestrians only”.
“We have a pre-parade show this year starting at 3 p.m. downtown in the front of the judges reviewing stand. First will be Mary Ann Puckett’s Square Dance Teams from 3 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The groups to perform are Smithville Select, DeKalb Dancin’ Delights, Center Hill Hoedown, Caney Fork Circle Eights, and the Ragland Bottom Roundup”.
“Following the square dancers will be “Smithville’s Frosty Flakes” with Queen Bee Tubbs performing from 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m.”, said Chief Parker.
Following the Smithville Parade, the enchanting “Christmas on the Square” and “Downtown Live Windows” extravaganza will begin at 5:30 PM. The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber cordially invites all attendees to stay and immerse themselves in the joy of the holiday season with an array of delightful activities in downtown Smithville.
Highlighted Events at “Christmas on the Square” include:
Chamber of Commerce “Live Windows” Contest: People of all ages love the “Live Windows.” Downtown businesses and offices will adorn their windows with amazingly creative “live” scenes, and beautifully decorated interiors for the occasion starting at 5:30 PM. Smithville Mayor Josh Miller and Chamber Director Suzanne Williams will present awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, in addition to a “Chamber Choice” award. Mayor Miller will personally donate $350 to the 1st place winner to be donated to the charity of their choice.
DeKalb Courthouse: Make sure to visit the DeKalb Courthouse to visit with elected county officials and partake in complimentary refreshments within a festive atmosphere. The courthouse’s exterior will dazzle with large Christmas trees adorning both sides.
Smithville City Hall: Experience the magic of the season with festive outdoor Christmas displays, accompanied by holiday music playing outdoors. Inside, you can enjoy cookies and admire the interior decorations.
FREE Photo Booth: Sponsored by the City of Smithville, a photo booth will be available on the main floor of the courthouse for visitors to capture cherished moments.
Refuge Church: After the parade, head to Refuge Church at 303 Public Square, where they will be serving hot soup while it lasts and providing a place to warm up.
Justin-Potter Library: Bring your camera! Santa himself will be making a special appearance at the library from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, offering photo opportunities for children. Each child will also receive a Christmas take-home craft.
Christmas Shopping: Discover an array of holiday specials and extended shopping hours at downtown stores, making it the perfect opportunity to select unique and wonderful Christmas gifts. Shops will be open until 8 PM.
Smithville Electric: Be captivated by the dazzling lights at Evins Park’s Open-Air Stage, beautifully decorated by Smithville Electric employees, creating a magical atmosphere.
Parking Information
Parade Participants: Only parade entries will be allowed to enter the New Life Connection location. Overflow parking will be at the DeKalb County Complex.
Downtown: The Downtown Smithville square will be partially blocked off for the event to make it more pedestrian-friendly. Streets on the north side of the square will be closed. But the Smithville city parking lot will be open and accessible from Don Cantrell Road (behind Evins Park).
County Planning Commission to Meet Monday Night
December 5, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
The DeKalb County Regional Planning Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 9 at 6:00 pm in the courthouse.
Among the issues to be discussed is the Silver Point Shores subdivision located on Aunt Helen Road and the need by the developer to install a fire suppression system there.
Silver Point Shores has been in development for at least two years. Concerns are that this subdivision has poor (narrow) road access into and through it especially for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances and that there is no water source (wells) or fire suppression system in place for the 31 lots in the subdivision which have already been sold by the developer collectively for more than $3.5 million. Members of the planning commission also have concerns about whether the surety instrument of the developer in this case, a cashier’s check (good for up to 180 days but reportedly now expired) in the amount of $40,000 was sufficient.
During the last meeting in October, the planning commission voted to extend the surety instrument by 60 days and increase the amount from $40,000 to $50,000 to give the developer more time to obtain a quote from an engineer on the cost estimate to complete infrastructure work in the subdivision including the installation of a fire suppression system. At this meeting Monday night, the planning commission will evaluate whether to grant a further extension of the surety instrument and by what amount if the developer provides the requested quote from an engineer.
In other business, the planning commission will consider a final lot line adjustment plat for property located on Allens Chapel Road (Brown Division)
* Staff Report—Odle Division, Roberson Division, Roswell Division, Cripps Adjustment and Trapp Adjustment.
Discussion regarding county zoning.
Other Business as Necessary.
Adjourn.
Could a Waffle House be Coming to Smithville?
December 4, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Could a Waffle House be coming to Smithville?
During its regular monthly meeting Monday night, December 9th the Smithville Planning Commission will consider a final site plan for the establishment of a restaurant at 312 East Broad Street (Waffle House Site Plan) but that does not necessarily make it a done deal.
In July, the planning commission unanimously approved a site plan for a Burger King Restaurant at 200 East Broad Street. The developer even completed and submitted a building permit to the city but to date the project has not moved forward.
The planning commission meeting will be held Monday, December 9 at 5 p.m. at the Smithville City Hall.
Other items on the agenda are as follows:
Call to order
Approval of September 9, 2024 minutes
Consideration of a final site plan for the establishment of a multi-family residential development on 812 Fisher Avenue (Alsup Site Plan)
Discussion regarding allowing tiny homes as a permitted use
Discussion regarding requirements for multi-family residential developments
Discussion regarding zero (0) lot line multi-family residential developments
Election of 2025 planning commission officers
Other business as necessary
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