Leadership DeKalb Class of 2025 Graduates
by: Dwayne PageJun 21, 2025
The Leadership DeKalb Class of 2025 has officially graduated and held a celebration on June 17th, 2025 at the Smithville First United Methodist Church Community Center.
This year’s graduates include (pictured back row) Emma Adkins-DTC, Austin Johnson-Wilson Bank & Trust, Connor Adcock- Middle TN Natural Gas, Noah Roberts-Liberty State Bank, Jana Gibbs-Down Under Poultry, Dawn Doll-Your Glamping Adventure/Simpli Hom Real Estate, (front row) Steve Cantrell-Retired Air Force, Leigh Fuson-Leadership DeKalb Director, Holly Prisock- Wilson Bank and Trust, Bryna Pelham-DCHS Class of 2025, and Hannah Keith-DCHS Class of 2025.
These community leaders attended 9 monthly sessions learning more about successes and challenges in DeKalb County while networking and gaining team building skills. These sessions would not be possible without all of the generous sponsors, hosts, and alumni that assist each month.
Applications for the Class of 2026 will be available soon. You may email leaddekalb1@gmail.com or call the DeKalb County/Smithville Chamber of Commerce at 615-597-4163 if you would like more information.
DeKalb May Local Option Sales Tax Report
by: Dwayne PageJun 20, 2025
DeKalb County’s local option sales tax collections for May, 2025 were up significantly compared to the same month last year but were off a bit from April 2025.
According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, DeKalb County collected $222,504 in local option sales taxes in May 2025, up from $175,278 in May 2024 but down from April’s number of $226,958.
Smithville’s collections for May were $422,648, better than $397,525 in May 2024 but down from $429,764 in April.
Alexandria’s local option sales tax collections stood at $36,980 in May, up from $29,309 in May 2024 but down significantly from $56,812 in April.
Dowell town’s collections for May were $4,193, an increase from $3,499 in May 2024 and slightly better than $4,030 in April.
Collections in Liberty stood at $16,396 in May, down from the $18,367 taken in during May 2024 and well under April’s collections of $30,206.
Net collections for the county and cities combined in May were $702,724, better than the $623,979 shown for May 2024 but below April’s number of $747,771.
May collections reflect activity for the previous month.
Smithville’s Jamboree Launches with July 3rd Kick-Off at Evins Park
by: Dwayne PageJun 20, 2025
The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce and the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree Board invite the public to a spirited evening of music and dance as the 2025 Jamboree celebrations begin with a Kick-Off Party on Thursday, July 3rd, at Evins Park in downtown Smithville—generously sponsored by Farmhouse Realty and Studio 105.
Evins Park, located across from Justin Potter Library and the Smithville Post Office, will serve as the festive backdrop for this community celebration drenched in red, white, and blue pride.
Event Schedule 6:00 PM – The Smithville Community Chorus, under the skillful direction of longtime director Faye Fuqua, will deliver a moving patriotic concert. Immediately Following – Six square dance teams, led by Smithville’s own Square-Dancing Queen, Mary Ann Puckett, will take the stage with lively, crowd-pleasing performances by the Old-Time Dance Club.
Dance Teams:
·Smithville Select
·DeKalb Dancin’ Delights
·Center Hill Hoedown
·Caney Fork Circle Eights
·Ragland Bottom Roundup
·Little Liberty (making their debut this year)
Thanks to Farmhouse Realty’s commitment to community values and Studio 105’s creative dedication to local arts, this night will sparkle with hometown energy and Appalachian tradition.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and gather friends and family for an evening that sets the tone for a festival rooted in heritage and heart. Parking is available at the former Smithville Review parking lot, located at 106 So. 1st St., Smithville.
The Jamboree You Love Just Keeps Getting Better! Come be part of the tradition Thursday, July 3rd, at 6 PM for the Jamboree Community Launch Party. Let the music begin!
For more information, visit smithvillejamboree.com or www.visitdekalbtn.com.