DeKalb County has new Clerk and Master
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
DeKalb County has a new Clerk and Master
During a brief ceremony Friday afternoon, Chancellor Ronald Thurman administered the oath of office to Nicole Wright who will assume her first day duties as Clerk and Master for the Chancery Court on Monday, June 30. Wright’s family stood beside her as she was sworn into office
It was a double ceremony of sorts in that longtime Clerk and Master Debra Malone was treated to a retirement reception with refreshments. The event was held in the Chancery courtroom of the courthouse.
Family, friends, deputy clerks, fellow county officials, and attorneys joined in the celebration to congratulate both Wright on her appointment and Malone on her retirement.
Wright was appointed by Chancellor Thurman to a six year term as Clerk and Master.
Twenty-Five Featured in DeKalb Fair Toddler Show
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
Twenty five toddlers from 13 to 47 months old were featured the annual Toddler Show held Friday evening at the DeKalb County Fair.
The winners (blue ribbon first place and red ribbon runner-up) are as follows:
*Twins (13 to 47 months)
Winners: Mariella Louise and Lorelai Renea Dyer, 29 month old children of Brandon and Mandy Dyer of Liberty.
*Boys (13-18 months)
Winner: Walker Phoenix White, 13 month old son of Phillip and Brittany White of Liberty.
Runner-up: Jagger Davis, 13 month old son of Tyler and Taylor Davis of Alexandria. Other participant: Huntley Daniels Wolford, 13 month old son of Taylor and Joshua Wolford of Liberty.
*Girls (13-18 months)
Winner: Charlotte Cay Koelle, 13 month-old daughter of Christian and Heather Koelle of Smithville.
Runner-up: Nelly Jean Brannett, 18 month old daughter of Brandon Brannett and Johnna Roller of Smithville. Other participants: Ettalynn Rankhorn, 14 month pld daughter of Jacob and Ashley Rankhorn of DeKalb County and Emerson Farris, 18 month old daughter of Madison Gossard and Bryson Farris of Smithville.
*Boy (19-24 months)
Winner: Carter Knox Hale, 24 month old son of Jacob and Jennifer Hale of Smithville.
*Girls (19-24 months)
Winner: Katlyn Gibbs, 19 month old daughter of Jana Gibbs of DeKalb County.
Runner-up: Aniyah Banks, 21 month old daughter of Mackenzie Castorena and Carlos Banks of Smithville. Others participants: Augusta Lee Hendrix, 20 month old daughter of Abby Hendrix of Smithville; Lillie Mae Dyer, 22 month old daughter of Brandon and Mandee Dyer of Liberty; and Haisley Reign Preston, 22 month old daughter of Christal and Robert Preston.
*Boy (25-30 months)
Winner: Paxton Lee Dawson, 27 month old son of David and Pamela Dawson of Smithville.
*Girls (25-30 months)
Winner: Parker Kayte Harvey, 30 month old daughter of Chad and Kayla Harvey of Liberty.
Runner-up: Indy Hart Williams, 28 month old daughter of Brian and Stephanie Williams of Smithville. Other participants: Corie Rae Smith, 29 month old daughter of Jesse and Chloe Smith of Smithville; and Raelynn Rose Goodwin, 25 month old daughter of Dakota and Kyra Goodwin of Alexandria.
*Boy (31-36 months)
Winner: Jonathan James Griffin, 31 month old son of Luke and Casey Griffin of Alexandria.
*Boy (37-47 months)
Winner: Bentley Farris, 42 month old son of Madison Gossard and Bryson Farris of Smithville
*Girls (37-47 months)
Winner: Elsie Pearl Paschal, 45 month old daughter of Justin and Makagan Paschal of Alexandria
Runner-up: Maelei Gail Dawson, 45 month old daughter of David and Pamela Dawson of Smithville. Other participant: Davina Skye Baldwin, 40 month old daughter of Jessica Ray and Aulbry Baldwin of Alexandria.
DeKalb County Fair Events Tonight (Saturday, June 28)
Lions Club Pavilion:
6:00-7:00 pm Smithville Select, Caney Fork Circle Eight, DeKalb Dancing Delights & Center Hill Hoedown square dancers
7:00-9:30 pm Zone Status
9:30 pm Cash Drawings (Total of $2,500 to be given away ($250 each in 10 drawings)
TC McMillen Arena and Ag Center
6:00 p.m. Homemade Ice Cream Contest- Ag Center
7:00 Demolition Derby-TC McMillen Arena
Kenneth Sandlin Center- Live Demonstrations
Cake Decorating by Katrina Collier
6:00 p.m.
For information visit https://www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com/
Tennessee Election Officials Convene in Nashville as State Maintains #1 National Ranking for Election Integrity
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
Nearly 300 election officials from across Tennessee gathered in Nashville on Monday, June 23, for the annual Election Law Seminar hosted by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and the Division of Elections. This crucial training event comes as Tennessee celebrates being ranked #1 in the nation for election integrity for the fourth consecutive year by The Heritage Foundation.
Representatives from all corners of the state, including DeKalb County Administrator of Elections Dustin Estes and DeKalb County Election Commissioner Marty Jacoby, attended the seminar, underscoring a shared commitment to protecting the integrity and security of Tennessee’s electoral process.
“The dedication and hard work of our local election officials are the backbone of Tennessee’s success,” said Secretary Hargett. “Thanks to their efforts, Tennesseans can have confidence in a voting process that makes it easy to vote and hard to cheat. This seminar equips our officials with the tools and knowledge needed to uphold our high standards heading into the 2026 election cycle.”
“This training is invaluable,” said Dustin Estes, Administrator of Elections for DeKalb County. “It helps us stay up to date, solve real-world problems, and exchange best practices with colleagues from across the state.”
During the daylong seminar, participants engaged in hands-on training sessions covering a wide range of topics, including:
- Best practices for maintaining accurate voter rolls
- Updates to ethics and campaign finance laws
- Strategic election planning and emergency preparedness
- Duties and responsibilities of election commissioners
One highlight of the seminar was a tabletop exercise which challenged teams of election officials to respond to real-life scenarios such as natural disasters or cybersecurity threats. These simulations fostered collaboration and problem-solving, ensuring Tennessee’s election administrators are prepared for any challenge.
Tennessee’s continued national leadership in election integrity reflects its investment in training, transparency, and innovation at every level of election administration.
For reliable election information and to learn more about how Tennessee is setting the standard for election integrity, visit GoVoteTN.gov.