Community Calendar

June 17, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

Early Voting for August 4 Elections

Early Voting will be held July 15-30 for the upcoming August 4 DeKalb General, Municipal, and State Primary Elections. Early voting times are as follows at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Smithville: Mondays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.; Wednesdays 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.; Thursdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. until Noon. Early voting will also be held again in the western part of the county on a limited basis. The DeKalb County Fairgrounds will be the site of early voting on July 19th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on July 25 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Each early voting site is for any properly registered DeKalb County voter. Meanwhile, the voter registration deadline for the August elections is July 5.

Smithville City Hall to be closed Monday, June 20 for Juneteenth Holiday
Smithville City Hall will be closed Monday, June 20, 2022 for the Juneteenth Holiday

Chorus & Clogging at Evins Park
To kick-off the Jamboree in perfect red, white and blue style, come to downtown Smithville’s Evins Park (located across from Justin Potter Library & the Smithville Post Office) on Thursday, June 30th. The schedule is as follows: Community Chorus will perform their patriotic-themed concert beginning at 6:00 PM. The Smithville Select Dancers and DeKalb Dancin’ Delights led by Mary Ann Puckett is immediately after. Parking will be provided after 5 PM by the Smithville Review, 106 So. 1st St., Smithville. Bring a lawn chair, and come enjoy some great local entertainment. The Jamboree You Love Just Keeps Getting Better!

Dry Creek Baptist Church “Hayday” Vacation Bible School
Dry Creek Baptist church in Dowelltown will be having “Hayday” vacation Bible school beginning Monday, June 20 through Thursday, June 23rd. 6:00-8:30 pm each night. . Thursday will be a fun night for the children and their families. All are welcome!

DeKalb Neighbors Helping Neighbors Blood Assurance Drive
A DeKalb County Neighbors Helping Neighbors Blood Assurance Drive will be Monday, July 18 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the County Complex. The blood drive will be on the mobile in the parking lot next to the highway at the Complex. All donors will receive a “Home Run Donor” t-shirt. To schedule an appointment, go to Bloodassurance.org/dekalbneighbors or contact Jimmy Poss at 615-464-7426 or jimposs72@yahoo.com. Please remember to EAT A GOOD MEAL, avoid energy drinks, drink additional water and bring your ID. Blood Assurance is the SOLE blood provider for our local hospitals. Save time on your donation by answering your health questions the day of the drive prior to arriving. Download “bloodassurance.org/quickscreen” onto your phone. This will save you 10 minutes on the mobile.

Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival July 1 & 2
The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival is celebrating their 51 years on July 1-2, 2022, on the courthouse square in downtown Smithville, Tennessee. The two-day event is home to the National Competition for Country Musician Beginners, while being named the ‘Official Jamboree & Crafts Festival of the State of Tennessee.’ The festival is free to the public, while musicians, singers and dancers can pay a nominal fee to compete in multiple bluegrass, gospel, and dance categories. All events are inclusive and handicap accessible.

Courthouse and County Offices to be Closed Monday for Juneteenth Holiday
The DeKalb County Courthouse and the County Complex County Offices will be closed Monday, June 20, 2022 for the Juneteenth Holiday. The County Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, June 18, 2022.

County Budget Committee Meeting
The Budget Committee of the DeKalb County Commission will meet Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the lower courtroom of the DeKalb County Courthouse for the Fiscal Year 22-23 budget.

There will be a workshop of the Committee of the Whole of the DeKalb County Commission on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 6 p.m. in the lower courtroom of the DeKalb County Courthouse.

The DeKalb County Commission will meet in regular session on Monday, June 27, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Mike Foster Multipurpose Center.

Donations Being Accepted for upkeep of Whorton Springs Cemetery
The Whorton Springs Cemetery Committee is accepting donations at the cemetery Thursday through Sunday afternoon, June 16-19 for the mowing and upkeep of the cemetery

Alexandria UMC Food Pantry Saturday
Alexandria UMC is holding a food distribution on Saturday, June 18th, from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

UT/TSU Extension Offering Canning Classes
Have you wanted to learn how to can your own food at home? The University of Tennessee Extension office will be holding two canning classes in July. The classes will be taught by Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent April Martin. Water Bath Canning class will be July 12 from 10 – 3 at the DeKalb County Complex in the Commercial Kitchen. Water bath canning is used for high acid foods such as fruits, tomatoes, jams/jellies, and pickled foods. Cost is $30 and includes lunch and all supplies. Payment is due at the UT Extension office located in the DeKalb County Complex by July 11. A minimum of 4 people is required to hold the class. Pressure Canning class will be July 27 from 10 – 3 at the DeKalb County Complex in the Commercial Kitchen. Pressure canning is used for low acid foods such as vegetables, meats, and soups. Cost is $30 and includes lunch and all supplies. Payment is due at the UT Extension office located in the DeKalb County Complex by July 25. A minimum of 4 people is required to hold the class. For more information contact UT Extension at 615-597-4945 or email April Martin at amartin3@utk.edu

THP to conduct Sobriety Checkpoint
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a Sobriety Checkpoint on July 1st on State Route 56 in DeKalb County. Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 others every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving.

DeKalb County Fair July 11-16
The DeKalb County Fair returns for its annual weeklong run Monday through Saturday, July 11-16. With the theme “Hometown Heroes This Fair is For You in 2022″, the 166th edition will feature another fun filled week of rides by B&K Carnival and many crowd pleasing activities and events including the Demolition Derby, ATV/Motorcycle Racing, Super Truck & Tractor Pull, the Lip Sync Battle, Pageants, Car Show, Grill-Off and Ice Cream Contest, Poultry, Cattle, Goat, and Pet Show, Hay Decorating, and much more. Cash drawings will be held each night. This year’s fair is dedicated to “Hometown Heroes”. The 2022 DeKalb County Fair Premium Book is now available. http://www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com/premium_book. Non-perishable items for display in the Kenneth Sandlin Center will be accepted on Saturday July 2 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Saturday July 9 for perishable entries from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The schedule of Fair events each night. www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com/

UCGMA Gospel Singing Saturday Night
The Upper Cumberland Gospel Music Association will host a Southern-Bluegrass Gospel Singing June 18 at 6 p.m. featuring Hearts Journey with special guests Terry Allen and Perfect Will at Aletheia Baptist Fellowship, 909 Grider Road, Cookeville. Call 931-979-3904 or 615-489-2665 for more information. UCGMA hosts a singing on the third Saturday each month.

City to begin summer sanitation pickup schedule
The City of Smithville will begin its summer schedule for sanitation pickup on Monday, June 20. The new starting time will be 6 a.m.

911 meeting
The regular 911 meeting will be June 28 at 5:30 pm at the DeKalb County 911 Building

New West Point Free Will Baptist Church VBS
New West Point Free Will Baptist Church will have Vacation Bible School “Under the Stars” July 9 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. for ages 3-12. Pre-register by texting or calling 615-464-7963 by July 2.

Smithville Mayor and Aldermen to Meet in special called session
The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen will have a special called meeting on June 23rd to consider passage of the 2022-23 budget on second and final reading. A public hearing will be at 6 p.m. and the meeting will follow immediately. The agenda also calls for discussion and action on an ordinance making the city judge position a 4 year term.

Spring Street The Baptist Church Revival
Spring Street The Baptist Church will be having revival. Nightly services June 12- June 18. Elder Frank Randolph will be preaching each night. Sunday night service will start at 6 PM. Monday -Saturday night services will start at 7 PM. Everyone is welcome

24th Annual Fiddler 5K and One Mile Fun Run
The 24th Annual Fiddler 5K and One Mile Fun Run, sponsored by Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County will be Saturday, July 2. All proceeds from the race are used in building another Habitat for Humanity home in DeKalb County. The race on Saturday, July 2 will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. RAIN OR SHINE on Church Street in front of the First Baptist Life Enrichment Center, Smithville. The race ends on Church Street in front of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. The Fiddler 5K is a qualifying race for the Run the Cumberland Medal Series of Races. Anybody who is interested in participating either in the one-mile fun run or the 5K may go to www.fiddler5k.com where you’ll find all the details and a link to online registration.

School Calendar for 2022-23 Year
The school calendar is set for the 2022-23 year. A system-wide in-service day will be July 26 and at the individual schools July 27 & 28. Registration for students will be Monday, August 1 and the first full day of school is set for Wednesday, August 3. Tuesday, August 2 will be an administrative day for teachers only. DeKalb County students and teachers will have a full week off for fall break October 17-21, Thanksgiving November 21-25, and spring break March 27-31, and 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 Labor Day September 5, 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 October 10, January 9, March 14, and May 24. Parent teacher conferences will be held at DCHS from 3-6 p.m. on October 10 and March 14 and at all the other schools, DWS, NES, SES, and DMS from 3-6 p.m. on October 13 and March 16.

Smithville Church of Christ Vacation Bible School
The Smithville Church of Christ at 520 Dry Creek Road, Smithville will have Vacation Bible School called “The Castle of Courage. Be Strong and Courageous” June 27-30 from 9 to 11 a.m. featuring Bible lessons, crafts, songs, friends, snacks, and skits. For more information call 615-597-4159

Back-to-School Bash: FREE School Supplies for DeKalb County Students
Mark Your Calendars! “Back-To-School Bash” for free school supplies will be held on Tuesday, August 2nd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center, 101 West Church Street, Smithville. Bring the family to celebrate our students at this free indoor event. FREE School Supplies and fun activities for all students. FREE food and drinks for all attendees. The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber will present awards for the best-decorated “Back-to-School” booth. If your business, industry, church, or civic group would like to sponsor a school supply booth, call 615-597-4275.

Justin Potter and Alexandria Libraries Summer Reading Program

“Oceans of Possibilities” is the theme for the 2022 Justin Potter and Alexandria Libraries Summer Reading Program. Thursday, June 23rd at 2:00 pm – Final Party with Bob Tartar’s Animalogy Critters at the County Complex Theater Room. For more information, call Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359 or Alexandria Library at 615-529-4124 visit us on Facebook or our website at www.dekalblibraries.net.

June 17, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

Due to rate hikes and mandates of the Affordable Care Act the county is budgeting an increase of $76,800 in the amount it pays toward health insurance for employees under its group plan.

The county budget committee last week voted to increase from $350 to $450 the amount the county pays to meet the federal mandate in covering 64 county employees enrolled in the plan. If approved by the county commission, the county would be spending next year $345,600, up from $268,800 this year.

County officials are expecting insurance costs to increase from 5% to 12% with the average increase for the basic plan to rise by 11.6%

“The county pays $350 per month for each employee who takes insurance. Sixty-four people have county insurance. We have to meet the Affordable Care Act. Under the law, the lowest paid full-time employee cannot pay more than 9.565% of their salary for insurance. We are going to have to do something to come in line with the Affordable Care Act. If the county went from paying $350 per employee to $450 per month for each employee, then that would satisfy the requirements,” said County Mayor Tim Stribling.

June 17, 2022
By:

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival is pleased to announce an exciting new opportunity in partnership with the iconic Grand Ole Opry in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The Opry has agreed to invite the 2022 Grand Fiddle Off Champion to play a ‘fiddle tune’ for the Opry square dancers live performance during the selected show. (TBD)

“We are so very excited to establish this historic partnership with The Grand Ole Opry. This has been a goal of the Jamboree Board for many years, and we are so very grateful to Dan Rogers (Opry), Darrin Vincent (Dailey & Vincent) and Rob Ramsey (Board Member) for working together to make this a reality.” said Sam Stout, President & Coordinator of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree. “It will be very humbling to see the 2022 Grand Fiddle Off Champion performing on the Opry stage where so many talented professionals in the country music industry have stood. It is such an honor, as the Opry has been the home of country music for more than 95 years. This will bring a whole new level of competition for this year’s fiddle contestants.”

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival is celebrating their 51 years on July 1-2, 2022, on the courthouse square in downtown Smithville, Tennessee. The two-day event is home to the National Competition for Country Musician Beginners, while being named the ‘Official Jamboree & Crafts Festival of the State of Tennessee.’ The festival is free to the public, while musicians, singers and dancers can pay a nominal fee to compete in multiple bluegrass, gospel, and dance categories. All events are inclusive and handicap accessible.

About The Grand Ole Opry:
The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. The Opry can be heard from opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, Sirius XM, and its flagship home, 650AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP). For more information, visit opry.com.

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