December Community Calendar

November 29, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church Presents the Living Christmas Tree – “Glory Touching Earth”
The Living Christmas Tree presents “Glory Touching Earth” by the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church Adult and Children’s Choirs. Come and join them for three nights of worship with songs of adoration, praise, and glory as they celebrate the birth of the Savior. This 25-foot-tall Living Christmas Tree presentation has something for everyone with contemporary songs, old Christmas favorites, lights, drama, and a large screen video presentation. Everyone is welcome! Saturday night, December 10 at 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday night, December 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Life of Christ Christmas Drive-Thru
The Life of Christ Christmas Drive-Thru will be December 3 & 4 from 6-8 p.m. at the Brush Creek Baptist Church 26 School House Circle Brush Creek. Donations appreciated for the Hats of Love Ministry. For more information call 615- 683- 8249 or email bcmbc@dtccom.net. In case of inclement weather please call and listen to the recording.

Love Lights a Tree Seeks Support for the American Cancer Society
During the holidays many families pay tribute to their friends and loved ones, living and deceased, by making a donation in their name to the American Cancer Society to further cancer research and patient services. It’s called “Love Lights a Tree”.

In reality, it’s a tribute board located on the south grounds of the courthouse where names of honorees are displayed throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday season.

The DeKalb County Unit of the American Cancer Society seeks your support. Donations may be made now and the persons you honor or remember do not necessarily have to have suffered from cancer.

The names are in “honor of” and in “memory of” for a donation of five-dollars per name. Forms may be obtained at the local banks. For more information, contact Melanie Judkins at 615-464-7664, Renea Cantrell at 615-684-2688, or Gail Taylor 615-597-5936.

Keltonburg and Webb’s Chapel United Methodist Churches Live Nativity
The Keltonburg and Webb’s Chapel United Methodist churches invite you to join them for the annual Live Nativity presented on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Celebrate Christmas among shepherds, wise men, angels, and the Holy family surrounded by live sheep, goats, oxen, and camels. It is located at the Keltonburg United Methodist Church at 5612 Keltonburg Road, Smithville. From Highway 56, turn onto Highway 288 (Keltonburg Road). Travel approximately 5 miles. The church is on the right, next to Keltonburg Country Store. For more information, call 615-597-7008 or 615-597-5835.

Smithville Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square December 3
The Smithville Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square will be celebrated together on Saturday, December 3rd. The parade starts at 4:00 pm. The parade lineup will begin at 2:00 pm at The New Life Connections Center on South Congress Boulevard. Competition floats are all that need to register. To register a float, email the name of the organization / group to: smithvillefiredept@gmail.com or text to 615-318-6900. All other entries do not have to register as they will be put in line as they arrive. Side by sides are allowed with licensed drivers, but no 4 wheelers. Horses & Wagons will unload at the Bill Page Ballpark and enter the parade route on Bryant Street at the redlight.

Immediately after the Smithville Parade, Christmas on the Square will begin around 5:30 PM. The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber wants to invite everyone to stay after the parade. So many fun activities happening in downtown Smithville.

The Christmas on the Square event includes:

Chamber of Commerce “Live” Windows Contest in Downtown Businesses/Offices – Downtown windows will have “live” scenes in their beautifully, decorated windows from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. YOU CAN VOTE for your favorite “Live” Display Window. Take a picture and post your favorite on the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber Facebook Page. The live display window with the “Most Likes” will get points added to the judges’ tally sheet. Chamber Director Suzanne Williams will be presenting 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places along with a “Chamber Choice” award for the “Live Window” contest.

DeKalb Courthouse – Stop by to visit the elected county officials and enjoy free refreshments and a festive atmosphere. Large Christmas trees will be decorated on both sides of the exterior of the courthouse.

FREE Photo Booth sponsored by the City of Smithville will be located on the main floor of the courthouse

Smithville City Hall – Festive outdoor Christmas displays, and holiday music will be playing on the outside with cupcakes to enjoy and decorations to view on the inside. Folks will enter the City Hall building through the south side of the building and exit through the front main entrance.

Christmas Shopping at Downtown Stores – There will be lots of specials and extended hours for shopping making it a great night to pick out wonderful and unique Christmas presents
Justin-Potter Library – Santa will make a special visit at the library from 6:00 to 7:00 PM for photos with the children, so bring your cameras. There will also be a Christmas take-home craft for each child.

DeKalb Animal Shelter FREE Pet Photos with Santa – Starting at 5:30 PM at the office of Gayla Hendrix, 301 N Public Square, bring your own camera to take your pet’s photo with Santa. It’s FREE, although donations are appreciated.

Smithville Electric – The lights will be shining brightly at Evins Park’s Open-Air Stage beautifully decorated by Smithville Electric System employees.

“We hope everyone can attend this year’s Smithville Parade and stay for the enjoyable and heartwarming Christmas on the Square event! It’s the perfect way to begin the Christmas season, said Chamber Director Williams.

DCHS Basketball Schedule Change Versus Watertown
Due to a schedule mix-up the DCHS basketball games on Friday, December 2 will be at Watertown rather than Smithville. The DCHS home games against Watertown will be on January 10.

DeKalb ECD-911 Board to Meet
The regular board meeting of the DeKalb Emergency Communications District (911) will be Tuesday December 12th at 5:30 pm at the 911 building on South Mountain Street, Smithville

Festival of Trees
The third annual Festival of Trees will be Monday, December 5 from 4-8:30 p.m. at the DeKalb County Complex. In addition to the immaculate trees, cookies and punch will be served. The purpose of the event is to collect toys for under-resourced children. Lighthouse Christian Camp will again receive the donated toys just in time for one of their annual Christmas parties for the children. Last year the event collected over 778 gifts for the non-profit organization. Visitors will vote in several categories such as Prettiest Tree, The Tree You Want in Your Livingroom, The Most Unique Tree, Best Themed Tree, Most Touching Tree and Most Traditional Tree. The tree that collects the most toys will be named Tree of the Year. If your business, brick and mortar or home-based, church or civic organization would like to be part of the wonderful DeKalb County Christmas tradition, please email angie@smithvillereview.com to be added to the participation list. This event is sponsored by the Smithville Review.

Last One Standing Dodge Ball Challenge
The Last One Standing Dodge Ball Challenge will be Saturday, December 3 to benefit the DCHS Tigerette Softball program. Games begin at 10 a.m. at the DCHS gymnasium. Divisions: 6th to 8th grade, 9th to 12th grade, Women (all female teams will play in women’s high school division) Men’s (co-ed teams welcome). For more information call John Kilgore at 615-339-6194 or Amy Boren at 615-318-2918. Find/follow this event on facebook: DCHS Tigerette Softball Dodgeball Challenge

28th Annual Angel Tree Project Underway through December 2
The 28th Annual DeKalb County Angel Tree Project is underway and your support is needed to help make this holiday season merrier for 331 children. Laura Stone said Angel Trees are located at bank locations in Smithville and Alexandria. Each Angel represents a child and his or her wish list for Christmas. Select an Angel from the tree, buy a gift for the child and return the gift to the bank where you picked up the Angel by December 2nd.

“This is our 28th year serving children 12 and younger living in DeKalb County. Angel cards are located on Christmas trees in the local banks. People of the community can pick up an Angel and buy for a child. The wish list on each Angel is just a suggestion. It is what the child has specifically requested. Sometimes people will buy only what is listed on the card. In some cases they will buy additional things. It is not necessary that you buy everything on the list. It is your choice if you want to wrap the gifts. We need the gifts back by December 2nd.”, said Stone.

Please consider adopting an Angel today or if you have no time to shop, donations can be made at Wilson Bank or any Smithville or Alexandria bank branch and the Volunteers will do the shopping for you.

Liberty Christmas Parade December 4
The Liberty Christmas Parade will be Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m. The lineup begins at 1 p.m. on West Main Street near Salem Baptist Church. In addition to floats, the entries this year will include a category for kids and a separate one for animals/4 wheelers and then another for antique vehicles/tractors. Refreshments will also be served. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures.

Alexandria Christmas Parade December 4
The Alexandria Christmas Parade will be Sunday, December 4 at 5 p.m. The lineup begins at 4 p.m. on West Main Street near the car wash. For more information call the Alexandria City Hall at 615-529-2171 or obtain entry forms at www.townofalexandria.us.

Blood Assurance Drive December 2 at Family Medical Center
A Blood Assurance drive is set for Friday, December 2. The blood drive will be from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. outside in the parking lot of the Family Medical Center in the bloodmobile. You may schedule an appointment at www.bloodassurance.org/familymedctr. You may also contact Michiko Martin concerning the blood drive at 615-597-4395 or mmartin@dtccom.net. Remember to eat a good meal, drink additional water, and avoid energy drinks and bring a photo ID. Donors can now download the BA App and answer their health questions prior to coming to the bus. Just download “bloodassurancequickscreen” and answer the questions to the end hit DONE day of the blood drive. This will save you 10 minutes on the bus. All donors will be given a “Christmas Plaid Blanket”. Blood Assurance is the sole blood provider for the local hospitals and your donation is needed for an adequate supply.

County Commission to Meet
The December County Commission meeting will be held on Thursday, December 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Mike Foster Multi-Purpose Center. The commission’s meeting of the whole will be Monday, December 19 at 6 p.m. at the auditorium of the Mike Foster Multi-Purpose Center.

Amvets and Ladies auxiliary sponsors Toys-4-tots for the local DeKalb County children.
The Amvets and Ladies Auxiliary’s annual Toys-4-tots program is now taking names for appointment to receive a brand-new toy/toys for your child. Please call to reserve your spot: Amber @ 615-597-7591 to make an appointment for pick up on Saturday, December 10 between 11-4pm; 4-5pm will be for any walk-ins who aren’t able to make an appointment. Deadline to make an appointment will be December 4. Let them help bless your children with a gift. Merry Christmas.

UCHRA Commodities Distribution
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) will hold a commodities distribution for DeKalb County on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the UCHRA County Office. Sign-up will be available at the distribution site. This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee

DeKalb Foster Children Need Help During the Holidays
Once again, the Christmas season is approaching and not all children this year will take part in a celebration with their own families. A child who has been taken out of abusive or neglectful homes may be sharing Christmas with a family of strangers. This year, there are more than 770 children in the Upper Cumberland who are in state’s custody and approximately 57 of those children are from DeKalb County and they need your help. The Santa for all Season group is requesting assistance with funds to support these children during the season of giving. This provides assistance to foster and underprivileged children all year. If you or your organization is willing to help provide funds, please contact Annette Greek or make checks payable to the DeKalb Foster Children’s Fund and send to the following address: Annette Webb Greek, 1101 South College Street, Smithville, TN 37166. Phone 615-597-5023.

Regifting for Christmas
Christmas is the season for giving and children who participate in this year’s 8th Annual Regifting Event will have a chance to experience that by doing something special for their parents and total strangers. Regifting gives children ages 4 to 12 an opportunity to shop for their parents or caregivers at no cost. The gifts are then wrapped, tagged, and prepared for Christmas giving. This year’s Regifting Event will be on Saturday, December 3 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. or until all gifts are gone at the DeKalb County Complex. Families must pre-register their children in order to be eligible for a chance to receive a door prize. All children who shop will receive a goody bag. Donations are collected throughout the year for this event so that those who can’t afford to buy gifts can still share in the joy of giving by regifting something. The children are then asked to prepare a blessing bag to be given to others. This year, children will help assemble Blessing Bags for God’s Food Pantry. A quilt square is decorated per child and then a quilt is assembled from the quilt squares to be donated to someone with health or other life challenging issues. You may contact Regifting event organizers to nominate someone who needs a blessing. If you need more information or would like to volunteer call or text Amber Adams at 615-684-5798 from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. or Joanna Fuson at 615-517-9100 but no calls after 9 p.m. You may email patchworkuc@outlook.com or visit facebook.

Smithville Lions Club Annual Pecan Sale Fundraiser
It’s that time of year and Smithville Lions Club is selling the delicious Mammoth(halves) pecans. A 1 lb bag is only $11.00. To order call Wendy Bottomley at 615-390-3567 or the Club at 615-464-6112 and leave your name and phone number. You can also stop by offices of Dr. Starla Meigs, Vester Parsley, First Bank and Patty’s restaurant. The pecans are now available.

School Calendar for 2022-23 Year
The school calendar for the 2022-23 year. DeKalb County students and teachers will have a two week break for Christmas December 21 to January 4. December 20 will be an abbreviated day. Students will return to school after the Christmas holiday on January 5, 2023. Schools will also be closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Day January 16, President’s Day February 20, and Good Friday April 7. The last day of school will be May 24, 2023. Report cards will be issued at all schools on January 9, March 14, and May 24. Parent teacher conferences will be held at DCHS from 3-6 p.m. on March 14 and at all the other schools, DWS, NES, SES, and DMS from 3-6 p.m. on March 16.

November 29, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

Remembering the late SFC Tyler Durden

The DeKalb County Commission Monday night adopted a resolution in memory of the late SFC Tyler Durden.

SFC Durden of Ft. Campbell and a former resident of Smithville died tragically after being shot in Liberty on October 31, 2019. He was 37 years old.

County Mayor Matt Adcock said he was recently contacted by Durden’s sister asking if the county could name a bridge in memory of Durden.  The county no longer names roads and bridges as a remembrance according to the county’s policies and procedures. Instead, the county makes tributes through resolutions adopted by the county commission.

This resolution honors Durden’s life and service to the country. A framed copy of the resolution was accepted by fourth district county commissioner Greg Matthews, an uncle of Durden, who will present it to Durden’s sister.

The resolution reads as follows:

“A Resolution to honor the memory of Tyler Durden of DeKalb County.

Whereas the members of this County Commission were greatly saddened to learn of the death of Tyler Durden.

Whereas Tyler Durden was an exemplary Tennessean and a consummate professional who worked assiduously to improve the quality of life for his fellow citizens in numerous capacities, and

Whereas Tyler Durden was born on August 26, 1982, in Camp Pendleton, California

Whereas he graduated from DeKalb County High School and joined the military which became a very important passion in his life.

Whereas Tyler was a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army and served his country proudly

Whereas Tyler was a member of the Church of Christ of Lebanon.

Whereas Tyler was also deeply devoted to his family, and he always endeavored to remain true to family values of the highest order; and

Whereas, he was a member of the Freemasons,

Whereas he was devoted to his family with love and care, cherishing his daughter Madison Grace Ann Durden, his sister Jessica (Shannon) Anderson, nieces and nephews MyKenzie, Kayden, Leah, and Kyler Anderson; grandparents, James (Darlene) Matthews and Christine Matthews; father figure Thomas “Ed” Nokes, and many other special family and friends that are forever bonded with the memory of Tyler Durden.

Whereas Tyler Durden leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in public life, compassion, and loyalty in private life and diligence and dedication in all his chosen endeavors; and

Whereas it is fitting that this County Commission should pause to remember the bountiful life of this exceptional citizen and human being; now therefore,

Be it Resolved by the DeKalb County Commission of the Great State of Tennessee concurring, that we honor the memory of Tyler Durden, reflecting fondly upon his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life with courage and conviction.

Be it further Resolved that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences to the family of Tyler Durden.

Be it further Resolved that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared for presentation”.

November 29, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

A Win-Win for Smithville

Christmas came early for the City of Smithville Monday with the announcement that it has been awarded grants for two projects totaling more than $1.5 million to install sidewalks/crosswalks and to replace deteriorating sewer lines. The Upper Cumberland Development District applied for the grants on behalf of the city.

The largest project is to put down sidewalks on Highway 70 east from near the intersection of Highway 56 (South Congress Boulevard) and to install high visibility crosswalks and ADA compliant curb ramps in the areas where Highway 70 intersects with Bright Hill Road and Colvert Lake Road. The total cost is $934,000 but thanks to the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Access Grant, the city will receive $888,000 for this project with a local grant match of $46,000.

The $600,000 sewer line rehab project is to replace 3,800 hundred linear feet of gravity sewer lines and manholes in the Bright Hill and Morgan Creek subsystem areas to keep excessive surface water from entering the wastewater treatment plant especially during heavy rains. Half of the cost ($300,000) will be funded through a Community Development Block Grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The City of Smithville will fund the other half ($300,000) as its local grant match.

The matching portion for both projects will be provided from the city’s available general fund and water and sewer fund reserves.

TDOT’s Multimodal Access Grant is a state-funded program created to support the transportation needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users through infrastructure projects that address existing gaps along state routes.

“Through the Tennessee Department of Transportation, this is a project to install sidewalks and crosswalks from the intersection of state route 56 and US highway 70 and it goes east toward Sparta for one mile to the corner of Highway 70 and Moog Boulevard. They will also install high visibility crosswalks and ADA compliant curb ramps in the areas where Highway 70 intersects with Bright Hill Road and Colvert Lake Road. The project totals $934,000 of which $888,000 will be covered by the grant and $46,000 by the City of Smithville for their matching portion. The math will tell you this is a very good opportunity for the city to lay down some sidewalks,” said Tommy Lee, Deputy Director of the Upper Cumberland Development District who also serves as the planner for the City of Smithville.

The city applied for the grant at least once before but had been denied.

“This is great news for the City of Smithville,” said Mayor Josh Miller.

“We found out just before Thanksgiving that we were going to be successful in getting about 1,700 feet of sidewalks and some crosswalks. As part of the TDOT Multi Modal Grant the sidewalk and crosswalks have to be built along a state highway. It would have been great to have done it on our city streets, but we couldn’t with this grant,” said Mayor Miller.

This will be welcome news to many people who often walk along Highway 70 east but have to stay in the grassy areas on the shoulder of the road said Mayor Miller.

“Even when they were applying for this grant, they took pictures of where there was grass worn down where people had been walking along Highway 70 with no sidewalks,” added Mayor Miller.

This is also not the first time that the city has sought CDBG grant funding for sewer rehab.

“We have submitted this grant application several times and not been awarded and each time the city kept adding a little bit more money into it putting more skin in the game to reduce what they call cost per person to make it more competitive,” said Lee.

Although the sidewalk/crosswalks and sewer rehab grants have been approved, it will still be several months before the work can begin.

“First, they have to do what’s known as an environmental review record to make sure they are not disturbing any historical landmarks or any wetlands, etc. There is more to it but that is the gist of it,” said Lee. “Once that environmental record is completed and approved then they will send in their official plans for the project and then once that is approved, they can start taking bids. As for the sewer rehab that process usually takes from 3-6 months so by the summer of 2023 this project will probably get started. That is typically how those work. The timeline for the sidewalk/crosswalk project is less clear but could take longer,” said Lee.

“I want to thank the Upper Cumberland Development District for their help in writing these grants and for what they do and also to the city aldermen for their support in allowing the city to apply and authorize funding for these grants and to city administrator Hunter Hendrixson,” said Mayor Miller.

“Before I leave office, I want my administration to be known as the one that spent more in infrastructure than any other city administration.  With these grants along with the money we have allocated from the city’s share of ARP and TDEC grant funds, we are being to do a lot of needed infrastructure projects for the city. We are very blessed to have been able to receive all these grants,” added Mayor Miller.

“The UCDD assisted the City of Smithville on both of these projects,” said Lee. “Marcie Ackerman of UCDD wrote the CDBG grant application and Silas Stoddard of UCDD wrote the TDOT Multi Modal Grant,” he said.

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