Tripp and Potter Make Court Appearance
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
Former Alexandria Mayor Beth Tripp and the town’s water and sewer manager Richard Edward Potter appeared in General Sessions Court Thursday on a criminal summons for allegedly trying to get the police chief to cancel a ticket on someone.
According to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Richard Edward Potter entered a plea to the misdemeanor offense. He received no fine or jail time but had to pay court costs of $175.
The case against former Mayor Tripp was continued until August
Both Tripp and Potter were charged on June 3rd in a Criminal Summons following an investigation into a case for “Cancellation of a Citation”. These charges stem from an investigation by the Attorney General for the 13th Judicial District for DeKalb County”.
“The Criminal Summons for Tripp reads “On or about May 29th 2025, Tripp approached Alexandria Police Chief Vincent Turocy requesting him to cancel a ticket. This occurred in Alexandria in DeKalb County”.
“The Criminal Summons for Potter reads “On or about May 30th 2025, Potter approached Chief Turocy requesting him to cancel a ticket. This occurred in Alexandria in DeKalb County”.
The citations that Tripp and Potter were trying to get cancelled were not on the same person.
Both Tripp and Potter’s charges are a Class C Misdemeanor.
Both were represented by attorney John Ford
Chamber Announces Winners of 2025 “Jamboree Project Welcome Mat” Contest-
by: Dwayne PageJun 27, 2025
The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Jamboree Project Welcome Mat contest. This annual tradition invites local businesses to display creative, welcoming signs in celebration of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival.
Chamber Director Suzanne Williams expressed her appreciation to all the participating businesses. “This is one of the ways we show our Jamboree visitors how much they are valued,” said Williams. “The creativity and community spirit shown through these signs truly reflect the warm welcome we want every guest to feel.”
Here are the 2025 Jamboree Project Welcome Mat winners:
Most Creative – Wilson Bank & Trust – “Singing, Dancing, Fiddling, & More At Jamboree 54!”
Most Original – Tennessee Credit – “Down in Smithville Fiddles Play, 54 Years of Jammin’ This Way!”
Best Worded – Wilson Bank & Trust – “Clog on Down! Don’t Miss a Beat! Jamboree Fun Can’t Be Beat!”
People’s Choice – Liberty State Bank – “Fiddlin’ Food & More, Is What’s in Store At Jamboree 54!”
Congratulations to all the winners and participants! Your enthusiasm helps create the friendly, festive atmosphere our community is known for and makes a lasting impression on Jamboree guests from near and far.
Seventeen Entered in DeKalb Fair Baby Show
by: Dwayne PageJun 27, 2025
Seventeen babies from one day to twelve months old were in the spotlight during the annual Baby Show held Thursday evening at the DeKalb County Fair.
The winners (blue ribbon first place and red ribbon runner-up) are as follows:
*Girl (1 day to 3 months)
Winner: Rosalee Faith Hicks, four-week-old daughter of Lucy Moore and Adam Hicks of Dowelltown
*Boy (4-6 months)
Winner: Atlas Atdell Richardson, four-month-old son of Blake and Jade Richardson of Smithville
*Girls (4-6 months)
Winner: Violet Cunningham, six-month-old daughter of Jacob and Taylor Cunningham of Smithville
Runner-up: Amirah Nikole Hamilton, six-month-old daughter of Aviannca Chalfant and Trace Hamilton of Smithville. Other participants: Andi Jo Oyster, six-month-old daughter of Coleman and Morgan Oyster of Liberty; Baylor Caroline Shim, four-month-old daughter of Trevor and Jaley Shim of Smithville; and Naomi Holder, four-month-old daughter of Selena and Cole Holder of Smithville.
*Boys (7-9 months)
Winner: Walker Levi Mason Lewis, seven-month-old son of Mason Robinson and Tim Lewis of Smithville;
Runner-up:. Holden Ray McCloud, seven-month-old son of Harlan and Amanda McCloud of Smithville. Other participant: Waylon Cantrell, seven-month-old son of Lily Cantrell of Smithville
*Girls (7-9 months)
Winner: Eliza Beth Burke, seven-month-old daughter of Jonah and Kelsey Burke of Smithville.
Runner-up: Mabel Jean Martin, eight-month-old daughter of Zack and Chandler Martin of Alexandria. Other participant: Ximena Hernandez, seven-month-old daughter of Trina Hernandez and Ruben Hernandez of Smithville.
*Boy (10-12 months)
Winner: Bruno Santos Morales-Cantu, eleven-month-old son of Ciro Morales and Maritza Cantu of Smithville
*Girls (10-12 months)
Winner: Drew Ann Davenport, eleven-month-old daughter of Addison and Lane Davenport of Alexandria
Runner-up: Briley Partridge, eleven-month-old daughter of John and Ashley Partridge of Alexandria. Other participant: Stella Clouse, twelve-month-old daughter of Drake and Amanda Clouse of Smithville.
DeKalb County Fair Events Tonight (Friday, June 27)
Lions Club Pavilion:
6:00 pm Toddler Show (13-48 months)
7:15 pm Isaac Cole
9:30 pm Cash Drawings
TC McMillen Arena and Ag Center
7:00 pm Rodeo T.C. McMillen Arena
6:00 p.m. Farmer for a day Ag Center
7:00 p.m. DTC games (ages 3-12) Ag Center
Kenneth Sandlin Center- Live Demonstrations
Pottery by Jonathan Griffith
6:00 p.m.
For information visit https://www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com/