Smithville Walmart Donates $2,000 to Support Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree

May 2, 2025
By:

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Craft Festival has received a generous donation of $2,000 from the local Walmart store, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting community traditions and cultural events.

The annual festival, a beloved celebration of bluegrass music and Appalachian heritage, will greatly benefit from the donation as it continues to bring musicians, artists, and spectators together for a weekend of entertainment and competition.

“Walmart is proud to support the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree,” said Steve Able Store Manager of Walmart Smithville. “This event is an integral part of our community, showcasing local talent and preserving traditions that bring people together. We are thrilled to contribute to its success.” The donation was recognized at the “Second Best Day Celebration” on Friday. Associates are celebrating the renovations to Store #4414.

Kim Driver Luton, President of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, expressed gratitude for Walmart’s continued support. “We deeply appreciate Walmart’s generosity in helping make the Jamboree a success. Their donation ensures we can provide an outstanding experience for performers and attendees alike, celebrating the rich musical heritage of our region. Also, when you visit the store, notice the new mural on the wall as you enter. It’s the Smithville Jamboree! So, thank you, Walmart #4414, so much”.

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Craft Festival, scheduled for July 4-5, 2025, welcomes musicians, artisans, and visitors from across the country. The financial support from Walmart and other local sponsors helps maintain the high-quality programming and accessibility that make the festival a treasured event year after year.

For more information about the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, visit smithvillejamboree.com or contact 615-597-8500.

May 2, 2025
By:

The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the completion of phase one of the Alexandria Downtown Project.

Three years ago, the Chamber applied to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for Alexandria to be accepted into the Tennessee Downtowns Program. Following the town’s acceptance into the program, a Downtown Alexandria Committee was formed, consisting of Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, Ria Baker, Judy Sandlin, Pat Parkerson, and Phillip Holmes.

“The news of Alexandria’s acceptance into the program was incredibly exciting,” said Williams. “It marked the beginning of a journey to revitalize the downtown and attract new investment.”

Participation in the program required the steering committee to complete a year of specialized training before qualifying for a $15,000 grant to kickstart improvement efforts. The project’s primary goals were to launch renovations and generate renewed interest in Alexandria’s downtown to attract investors and businesses.

Completed Phase One Projects Include:

At Alexandria Medical Center, the entire building was power washed and all four exterior walls were painted.

At Junk n Jewels, a new front door and a new screen door were installed, and exterior painting and caulking were completed.

At the Tinsley Building, a new metal awning was installed.

At the Alexandria Masonic Lodge, the front brickwork was power washed; all exterior walls and rear doors were painted; the metal-framed windows were repaired, primed, and painted; broken and missing window glass was replaced; a new metal platform for the rear steps and landing was repaired and installed; the platform, steps, and landing were painted; two front plate glass windows were replaced; and the entry glass door was removed and replaced.

“With phase one complete, we’re preparing to apply for a $300,000 Downtown Improvement Grant this June,” Williams shared. “This funding will allow us to make major improvements to the remaining building exteriors.”

Committee member Ria Baker added, “These improvements are already making a visible difference, and we’re excited to see even more progress as we continue to move forward.”

Looking ahead, Williams announced that the committee moving forward into phase two will consist of Judy Sandlin, Pat Parkerson, Phillip Holmes, Dennis Slager, Suzanne Williams, Emily Bell, and Jamie Bates.

Williams also noted the growing interest from new investors in downtown Alexandria. “We’re excited about the momentum that’s building. Our state consultant, Bridgett Jones, has been instrumental in guiding us to make informed, impactful decisions.”

“We’re grateful to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for this opportunity to breathe new life into Alexandria’s downtown,” Williams added. “These improvements not only boost our local economy but also enhance our appeal as a tourism destination.”

For more information about the Alexandria Downtown Project, contact the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce at 615-597-4163.

May 1, 2025
By: Dwayne Page

Graduation for the DCHS Class of 2025 is only two weeks away!

The commencement will be Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. on the DCHS football field.

WJLE and participating sponsors are presenting a photo gallery of the DCHS Class of 2025.

Click on the link below to view the senior formals.

Photo gallery

Once you open the page, click each photo to view a larger image. The name of the senior you select is at the bottom of the photo.

There are 173 photos in the gallery divided up 48 photos to a page. After you view page 1 be sure to click the links for pages 2-4 (top or bottom of the page) to view the remaining photos.

WJLE thanks the sponsors for April as follows:

State Representative Michael Hale
DeKalb Funeral Chapel
Alexandria Auto Parts
DeKalb Prevention Coalition
FirstBank
Gill Automotive
Good Health Family Clinic
General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Brandon Cox
Register of Deeds Daniel Seber
County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss
County Mayor Matt Adcock
Road Supervisor Danny Hale
Smithville Church of Christ
Smithville FBC (First Baptist Church)
Josh & Melissa Miller Farmhouse Realty the Miller Team
Crossroads Medical Group-Smithville Office (Family Medical Center)

WJLE thanks the sponsors for May as follows:

State Representative Michael Hale
DeKalb Funeral Chapel
Liberty State Bank
DeKalb Prevention Coalition
FirstBank
Gill Automotive
General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Brandon Cox
Register of Deeds Daniel Seber
County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss
Assessor of Property Shannon Cantrell
Circuit Court Clerk Susan Martin
Smithville Church of God
Smithville Church of Christ
Smithville FBC (First Baptist Church)
Trustee Sean Driver
Bryan’s Auto Repair & Towing
Crossroads Medical Group-Smithville Office (Family Medical Center)
Josh & Melissa Miller Farmhouse Realty the Miller Team

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