News

The 2025 DeKalb County School District Teacher of the Year is Amanda Goodwin, special education teacher at Northside Elementary School.

Goodwin got a surprise visit to the school Monday for the “John Isabell Memorial Award” presentation by Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, Northside Elementary School Principal Angela Johnson, NES Assistant Principal Beth Pafford, Supervisors of Instruction Michelle Burklow and Randy Jennings, Special Education Supervisor Natasha Vaughn, and Federal Programs Supervisor Dr. Danielle Collins. As part of the honor, Goodwin also received a school bell award, a floral arrangement, and a certificate granting her a day off from school with pay.

“I am really excited, and I appreciate it. I don’t do this on my own. It takes the support of all the teachers here at Northside along with the administration, faculty staff, and students,” Goodwin told WJLE Monday when informed by the administration that she was named DeKalb District Teacher of the Year.

After spending two years as a special education assistant, Goodwin said she fostered a deeper passion for teaching and furthered her education to become a teacher, a position she has held for five years now.

“This is actually my seventh year here at Northside including two years as an assistant. I teach special education as an interventionist for second and third grade,” Goodwin explained. “I started out with a business degree. I had a bachelor’s in business and when my kids went to school I started subbing and really enjoyed it so I became an assistant at Northside in a special education classroom. That started a fire in me to want to be a teacher, so I went back and got a master’s in special education,” said Goodwin.

In addition to the visit with Goodwin, Director Cripps and school administrators paid a call on four other teachers at their schools Monday to present the school level “Teacher of the Year” awards including 4th grade math and science teacher, Cathleen Humphrey at DeKalb West School, 1st grade teacher Allyson Trapp at Smithville Elementary School; Kristen Lynch, special education teacher at DeKalb Middle School, and Dylan Kleparek (Coach K), science/chemistry teacher at DeKalb County High School.

This is the 18th annual Teacher of the Year observance.

“Our district’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in DeKalb County. We applaud teachers who care about our children, who devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of DeKalb students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement. We are not just exceptionally proud of our Teachers of the Year, but we are also grateful for all of our educators in DeKalb County,” said Director Cripps.

Teachers of the Year are selected competitively through five cycles: Building, System, Field Service Core Center Region, Grand Division and State; and from three categories (levels of teaching); Grades Pre-K-4, 5-8, 9-12.

Teachers selected at each cycle receive local recognition and awards underwritten by local sources. State recognition/awards include a banquet honoring the nine State Teacher of the Year finalists and certificates of appreciation from the governor. In addition, the State Finalists and the State Teacher of the Year receive cash awards.

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year Program is designed to promote effective teaching practices by recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers while encouraging others to join the teaching profession.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) today announced a precautionary fish consumption advisory for walleye 19 inches and larger on Center Hill Reservoir in DeKalb and Putnam counties.

TDEC advises that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children avoid eating the fish and that all others limit consumption to one meal per month. Other recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, swimming, wading, and catch-and-release fishing carry no risk.

In 2021 and 2023, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), in cooperation with TDEC, collected walleye for tissue analysis on Center Hill Reservoir. Fish were analyzed for mercury by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) through a contract with TDEC. An impoundment on the Caney Fork River, Center Hill Reservoir is north of Smithville and south of Interstate 40 in Middle Tennessee.

The advisory applies to walleye 19 inches and larger for the entirety of the reservoir based on data exceeding Tennessee’s trigger point for mercury. Mercury in walleye 19 inches and larger averaged 0.39 mg/kg, which is above the trigger point of 0.3 mg/kg. The advisory is consistent with TDEC’s responsibilities under the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act.

“Unlike ‘Do Not Consume’ advisories that warn the general population to avoid eating fish from a particular body of water altogether, precautionary fish consumption advisories are specifically directed to sensitive populations. They include children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those who may eat fish frequently from the same body of water,” said Ronné Adkins, deputy commissioner for Environment at TDEC. “These advisories help the community make informed decisions about whether or not to consume the fish.”

TDEC will post warning signs at primary public access points and will work with the TWRA to communicate this information to the public.

For a complete listing of Tennessee’s current fishing advisories, plus additional information about the advisory issuance process, go online to TDEC’s Bacteriological and Fishing Advisories page.

About Fish Consumption Advisories

The Tennessee Water Quality Control Act identifies the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as having the authority and responsibility to issue advisories for either water contact hazards like pathogens or excessive health risks due to the accumulation of contaminants in fish or shellfish. Tennessee’s General Water Quality Criteria provide additional guidance regarding the conditions under which advisories may be warranted.

Dogs as loveable and fun loving as “Ziggy” need a home!

Why not give “Ziggy” a home sweet home.

“Ziggy” is the WJLE/DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pet of the Week”

“Ziggy” is a medium sized mixed breed dog and he weighs just under 50 pounds. He is 5 years and 3 months old, and his adoption fee is $90 as a sponsored pet of the Friends of the DeKalb Animal Shelter.

“He has already been vaccinated, neutered, and he is up to date on everything. Ziggy is just looking for his forever home. He is a very rambunctious fun boy who once he’s done playing just wants to cuddle up on a couch,” said shelter employee Kota.

If you are interested in meeting Ziggy, fill out an application on the animal shelter website or come in. Visit https://www.dekalbanimalsheltertn.com/ or call 615-597-3647.

The shelter is open Mondays-Fridays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Transfer Station Road off Highway 70 east behind Tenneco.

DeKalb Middle School will be hosting Career Day on Tuesday, May 6. This special event is designed for students in grades 6 through 8 and aims to inspire them as they explore a variety of potential career paths.

The event will be held both inside and outside of the gymnasium to accommodate a variety of displays and activities. Participants may begin setting up their displays at 7:30 a.m. and students will start visiting booths at 9 a.m. The event is scheduled to conclude around 11:00 a.m. Please note they have a limited number of tables available for use. If possible, they ask participants to bring their own table for their booth to ensure everyone has the space they need.

At the conclusion of the event, they would like to schedule guest speakers to visit 8th grade classroom. They are seeking six participants to share more in-depth information about their careers and personal journeys with the 8th grade students. If you are interested in being a guest speaker, please contact Mrs. Suzette Barnes at suzettebarnes@dekalbschools.net

Career Day will provide an invaluable opportunity for students to interact with professionals from a wide range of industries. Your involvement would make a significant impact on the students’ understanding of real-world opportunities and the journey toward achieving their goals.

For years the county maintained an unmanned garbage collection convenience center in the Wolf Creek community at the intersection of Medley Amonette Road (Highway 96) and Old Buffalo Valley Road, but its now been removed by the county because it was located on the Tennessee Department of Transportation right of way and TDOT didn’t want it there.

In March at a public works committee meeting, County Public Works Director Brian Reed raised the issue about whether the Wolf Creek site could eventually become a manned site. According to County Mayor Matt Adcock, Reed later checked with TDOT and the answer was not only no, but even the unmanned site there would have to go. It has since been removed from the site but the county has not yet come up with an alternate convenience site location for Wolf Creek.

During Monday night’s regular monthly county commission meeting, first district resident Brandon Foster raised concerns about the convenience site having been removed and later in the meeting, first district commissioner Tom Chandler asked that the county find another location for it.

“As a commissioner from district 1 as well as being an avid user of what has been referred to as the Buffalo Valley convenience waste site I am at a loss with this waste site disappearing. I was surprised that it was gone. It needs to be replaced, and I would say desperately. I would urge our waste management manager and this commission to find some replacement for this convenience site in that general area fairly quickly. If you look at a map there is a very sizeable hole now in our convenience site servicing in district 1 and DeKalb County that is the gateway to a large portion of the tourist traffic that comes into DeKalb County,” said Commissioner Chandler.

The county’s public works committee will discuss the issue at a meeting Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m. in the lower courtroom of the courthouse.

The county has 11 manned convenience sites and Wolf Creek was one of three unmanned sites. The other two are at Temperance Hall and in the Austin Bottoms community. Of the fourteen sites, the county owns all but three, Snow Hill, Silver Point, and at Alexandria.

According to Reed, the state is making a push for counties to go to all manned sites and is funding grants for that purpose.

“The state has put a priority on grants for those sites and is funding up to $125,000 with a 10% local match per site and I would like to apply for some grants in next year’s budget to eventually get rid of our unmanned sites,” said Reed.

Two public hearings!

The Smithville Mayor and Board of Aldermen, during its regular monthly meeting Monday night, May 5, is expected to adopt a budget amendment on second and final reading to purchase a new rear load sanitation truck to replace an out of service 1997 Freightliner model. Action will follow a public hearing. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at city hall.

According to city officials, the reason for making the purchase now rather than including it in the new 2025-26 budget is because the city anticipates getting the new garbage truck quicker and cheaper at $215,894.

Meanwhile, the Smithville Mayor and Board of Aldermen will also have a public hearing prior to action on an annexation request of property located at 746 East Broad Street by owner consent.

The owners of Hollingshead Materials, LLC (Smyrna Ready Mix) concrete batching company bordering the city limits of Smithville are seeking annexation of two parcels including one where the SRM company now operates (Map 065, Parcel 073.04) and the adjoining vacant property (Parcel 073.05). The land (9 total acres) is situated between East Broad Street, Midway Road, and Terrell Road.

In March, the Smithville Planning Commission recommended approval of a plan of services for the proposed annexation.

According to City Administrator Hunter Hendrixson the city already has most services accessible to the proposed site.

“Basically, what we have to do is show that city police and fire fighting services are available. He already has (city) water. The sewer is on septic already. He doesn’t need city sewer. He already has electric. He can have sanitation. It (plan of services) just shows that everything with street lighting and everything is fully covered,” said Hendrixson.

“Let me add to that the concrete plant may be on septic but the property next to it could be developed by the owner. I’m assuming they would probably need a pump station,” said Mayor Josh Miller.

The agenda also includes the following:

*Awarding bid for airline replacement project at the wastewater treatment plant (sewer plant)

*1st reading of Ordinance No. 533 amending the 2024-25 budget and adopting the 2025-26 City fiscal budget

Any other business properly brought before the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

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.

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.

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

A temporary pause!

Except for county employee step increases and the state mandated pay raises for county officials, the budget committee Tuesday night voted to put a temporary “freeze” on new (extra) spending requests for the 2025-26 fiscal year pending a resolution of the jail construction issue.

Budget committee member Tony Luna made the motion.

“The elephant in the room is this jail project that we have going on. I would like to make a motion to freeze all pay raises and freeze the budget on everything except the step raises and the mandatory raises until we get past this jail construction (issue). Once we get past this jail construction (issue) then we will know what real money we have to spend. Until then I just don’t see how we can go any further,” said Commissioner Luna.

Budget committee member Tony (Cully) Culwell seconded the motion, and it was approved on a voice vote. Members of the budget committee in attendance were Sabrina Farler, Glynn Merriman, Mathias Anderson, Daniel Cripps, Tony Luna, and Tony (Cully) Culwell. Chairman Jeff Barnes was absent.

The budget committee also voted to keep part time pay for the 2025-26 fiscal year at the current level of $12.00 per hour across the board for all county part time personnel on a motion made by Culwell.

During the meeting, the budget committee began the process as scheduled of approving revenues and expenditures in several departments and categories of the overall budget including for the county commission, board of equalization, beer board, county mayor, county attorney, register of deeds, planning, county buildings, other general administration, property assessor, county trustee, county clerk, circuit court clerk, general session court, and drug court. In some cases, action was taken to temporarily table budget requests where department heads had asked for additional staff or pay raises for part time employees. Action will be taken on other department requests in later budget meetings

After the meeting, Commissioner Luna further explained his intent behind the motion on the freeze in proposed new spending. “The reason is we just don’t know what our budget is. I think everybody deserves a raise but how can we divvy out raises to everyone when we don’t even know what our budget is until we get the jail situation taken care of. I really wanted to get past the jail and hopefully get everybody what they are asking for. Everybody deserves what they are asking for but we’ll have to cut back some I’m sure but we have to get past this jail situation, so we know what’s left,” said Luna.