4-H Poultry Judging Team Named National Champions in Egg Grading

November 29, 2019
By: Leigh Fuson, 4-H Agent

After winning the state competition, DeKalb County 4-H members traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for the National 4-H Poultry and Egg conference to represent Tennessee in the poultry judging contest. Clayton Crook, Lily Martin, and Megan Price outshined the competition in one particular area: market eggs.  Martin was 2^nd high individual in the category, Price 5^th, and Crook 7^th, which earned them the number one spot.  Overall, the team placed 15^th nationally in this competitive contest.

“Even though we only had three team members and had a slight disadvantage going in, we still brought some trophies home to DeKalb County,” said Crook. “I was so shocked when they called my name for 2^nd place and completely lost it when our team won 1^st. I was really proud of everyone!” exclaimed Martin.

Along with market eggs, contestants also grade ready to cook poultry and evaluate live White Leghorn hens for production.  Not only do 4-H members have to focus and know the subject material, they must use reasoning and decision making skills.  The national contest is much more intense than the state level with double the amount of classes to judge.  Members must also give two sets of oral reasons over the hens to explain why they placed the class the way they did. This puts public speaking and critical thinking skills to the test.

While at the conference, 4-H members also had the opportunity to participate in educational tours and workshops, including the Louisville Slugger factory and Churchill Downs. “My favorite part of the trip besides competing was going to the Kentucky Derby museum,” stated Martin, “I didn’t realize how big of a deal it is, and it was neat to see the history.  I’ve always liked horses.”  Two poultry industry leaders also spoke about the variety and demand within the field, as well as internship opportunities.  “I didn’t realize all the different jobs there are in poultry and how important the work is,” said Price.  “I also really enjoyed going to the trade show and petting zoo at the Kentucky Expo center.”

This trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity for these DeKalb County 4-H members, and they represented Tennessee very well.  We want to thank everyone in the community for all their support and well wishes.  If you are interested in poultry judging or any other 4-H activity, please call 615-597-4945. 4-H is a proud part of UT Extension, the UT Institute of Agriculture, and TSU Cooperative Extension.  UT-TSU Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments.

November 29, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Tom Tippin will be making a return appearance on “Jammin’ at the 428” this morning (Friday) on WJLE.

The program will air at 8:30 a.m. following the “Old Time Country Community Radio Show”

Jim Hicks, the host of the show, will interview Tippin and showcase his music on the program.

“We feel so blessed to have Tom back with us to do another show. He made his first appearance on the show October 31. This gentleman will make his mark on music one day and that is one thing I know. We had a great time doing the show with Tom again. What a great singer and songwriter this young man is and we wish him the best,” said Hicks

Tippin records at Rick Scruggs’ Studio in Smithville, also known as the 428.

To hear this show click the link below or click the dropdown box under the “Community” section of the WJLE homepage near the top and look for “Jammin’ at the 428”.

Jammin at the 428 November 29

November 28, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The 25th annual Angel Tree Project is underway and your support is needed to help make this holiday season merrier for 315 children.

Laura Stone said Angel Trees are located at all 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 6.

“This is our 25th year serving children 12 and younger living in DeKalb County. Angel cards are on trees in the local banks. People of the community can pick up an Angel and buy for a child. The wish list on the Angels is just a suggestion. It is what the child specifically asked for. Sometimes people will buy only what is on there. In some cases they will buy additional things. It’s not necessary that you buy everything on the list. We need the gifts back by December 6.  It is your choice if you want to wrap the gifts,” said Stone.

“With this being our 25th year we have seen a lot of faces grow up in the program. What  warms my heart are those children who benefited from the Angel Tree when they were young. They are now adults and know the positive impact it had on their lives and will now support the Angel Tree and adopt angels themselves.”

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.

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