DeKalb Farmers Market Opens for the Season Saturday April 6 (VIEW VIDEO HERE)

April 3, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Farmers Markets are a Tennessee tradition. Consumers can find almost anything their heart’s desire from fresh fruits and vegetables to fresh flowers and crafts.

The DeKalb County Farmers Market opens for the season this Saturday, April 6 and will be open every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until noon.

IMG_5338 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“We don’t have a lot of produce yet because of the cold weather but we will have some lettuce coming probably in about two to three weeks but for the next three Saturdays we’re doing what is called “Making Memories” and we are featuring all types of plants. What we are saying is buy a plant and give it to someone and after they plant it in their yard every time they walk by it they will think of you,” said Connie Tjarks.

“One of our unique plants this year is the quince which is an extremely old plant. It does have fruit. You can’t eat the fruit off of the bush but you can make the best jelly in the world out of it. We will be able to tell you there (Farmers Market) how to make the jelly,” Tjarks continued.

“We are also changing some rules this year in that we will allow five craft vendors every Saturday however they must make a reservation one week in advance and that is important. You can’t come in that day and say I want a spot. We want to make sure we have spots for everyone and to do that we are asking for an advanced reservation. Its $10 for one week, $20 for a month (4-5 weeks), or $60 for the year. Call 615-215-8867 to make your reservation,” she said.

“We also have some unusual plants this year so get there early because its first come first served. We have some great fruit mint which is quite unique and we will be able to tell you how to use these plants too. We’ll have some pair mint, some beautiful azaleas that are just starting to bud in red and a salmon color, and locally grown blueberry plants about three feet tall ready to go in the ground.”

“We’ll be looking for you this Saturday at the DeKalb County Farmers Market located on East Bryant Street next to DeKalb County Ace Hardware and the County Complex,” added Tjarks.

Support your local farmers and artisans.

April 2, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Longtime DeKalb County Criminal Court Judge David Patterson has announced his retirement.

Judge Patterson submitted a letter to Gov. Bill Lee last month announcing his plans to retire effective June 30.

The former chief deputy in the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s office was first elected to one of DeKalb County’s two criminal court judge seats in 2006 in a closely contested election against Lillie Ann Sells.

Patterson began working for former District Attorney Bill Gibson, where he spent 16 years as an assistant district attorney before deciding to seek a criminal court judgeship.

Judge Patterson narrowly unseated Judge Sells, who filed a lawsuit contesting the results, but Patterson was ultimately declared the victor of the seat which he’s held for the past 13 years and he now serves as senior judge for the district that includes Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Putnam, Smith and White counties.

Judge Patterson has presided over more than 30,000 cases based on the estimated criminal court caseload he splits with Judge Gary McKenzie.

“There comes a time where judges have to schedule for retirement,” Judge Patterson told the Herald Citizen of Cookeville. “I’ve got two grandsons.”

The next regular election for all judges, including criminal court, is 2022, so Gov. Bill Lee will appoint someone to fill Judge Patterson’s position. An election to fill the remaining two years of Judge Patterson’s eight-year term would be held in 2020.

April 2, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

When it comes to the hiring policy of county government, each department has it’s own.

Seventh district county commissioner Bruce Malone raised the issue last Monday night, March 25th during the monthly county commission meeting.

(VIEW ENTIRE COMMENTS MADE BY BRUCE MALONE DURING MEETING ON THIS SUBJECT IN VIDEO BELOW)

M2U02956 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“I have a question. I know the sheriff’s department has rules and regulations and the school board has rules and regulations about who they can and can’t hire. I was wondering if there is any county wide policy that prohibits any elected official from knowingly hiring convicted felons, say of domestic violence, theft, or drug use. Any kind of convictions like that. Is there a county wide personnel policy,” asked Malone?

“Each office has their own personnel policies. I know the county mayor’s office usually represents the library, landfill, and election commission but each office, elected officials can have their own personnel policy,” answered County Mayor Tim Stribling.

That was all the discussion on that subject during the meeting. The county commission took no action.

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