News

Seamstress and quilter Elizabeth Pruitt, the owner of Quilts, Memories, and Sew Much More, has founded a special niche that has created rave reviews and swelled into a massive business. Pruitt started the memory bears from her DeKalb County home ten years ago when her dad, a college history professor at Westbrook College in Portland, Maine passed away. He always wore blue striped or solid blue oxford cloth shirts. Among a huge pile of her dad’s shirts, she found the perfect one to use, an orange and gray plaid Seersucker.

“I made the bear and I showed it off on Facebook. People just loved it!” Pruitt explained to WJLE from her sewing room. A very large computerized quilting machine fills part of the room with many of her ongoing projects organized to her liking.

The popularity of the bears began to extend beyond Smithville when she created a listing for them in her Etsy shop, QuiltsandMemoriesUS. “My goodness gracious! I have made 1,700 bears in the last four or five years for people all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

Pruitt is invited into the lives of people’s loved ones who are grieving deceased family or cherished friends. They often send photos of the person who died wearing the clothes along with a personal letter explaining the significance, and sometimes they are accompanied by the people’s obituaries.

“A lot of them that stand out to me are the young adults, who didn’t get a chance live their life. Those are the ones that seem to choke me up a little bit. This one woman lost her 17-year-old son in a car accident, and one of the shirts in the box was the shirt he wore when he died in the car. That gets me. When I got the bears all done and I sent them to her, she had a gathering of his friends, and she had a picture of her son and the friend wearing the shirt that she gave to the friend. Now they’re sitting there holding the bear that I made from the shirt. That’s just heartbreaking.”

Pruitt will receive unique items like a handmade 1963 prom dress made from red velour material with eggshell white colored lacing across the top. She made two bears that looked just like the dress.

“A girl sent me her wedding dress, and I made a bride and a groom bear from her wedding dress. He was wearing a little vest and the bride bear was wearing a little veil. It was really cute.”

She was asked to create a bear from the fabric of a grandpa’s favorite recliner that was camouflage with a deer pattern.

“There’s so many things that people can come up with like favorite blankets, favorite quilts, even fabric luggage. They cut all the fabric off it because mom had traveled the world with that piece of luggage. They had me make a bear from the luggage fabric. It was crazy, but it was pretty cool when it was done.”

Pruitt’s bears garner praise, strong reviews and thank you notes from those who now have a tangible memory to literally hold.

“Here’s a whole story that I got from somebody,” Pruitt explains as she reads one of the letters in her collection. “I’m sending you a flannel shirt. Lavender is my wife’s favorite color. My wife’s name is Cynthia. She passed away from breast cancer 10 days ago. Ten days before he sends me a shirt for a bear.”

Normally, for shipping orders Pruitt allows a lead time of six to eight weeks to create the memory bear, but she can squeeze local folks into a shorter time frame. Before the memory bears, Pruitt had already been tackling a myriad of projects from hemming and sewing to t-shirt quilts and most recently custom rug tufting. She lends her crafty hands to non-profits at times including a genealogy tree that is planned for Alexandria. It’s quite the feat to juggle all her sewing jobs.

“I’m too easily distracted,” she admits with a smile. “I’ll think I’ve got to cut those shirts. let me go make a bear, wait a minute, I’ve got to work on this dress. It’s just like, dishes are in the sink. I got to go put the dishes in the dishwasher. That’s part of being here at home. It’s like focus. You can do this.”

Starting as a teenager, Pruitt has been sewing for more than 40 years.

“My mother taught me how to read patterns and how to sew,” she says. “One of the first things I ever made was a little peach corduroy flower girl dress for my older sister’s wedding back when I was about 13 years old. That was my first experience in sewing. But I didn’t do anything for the longest time until I had the kids [Bailey and Grayson]. Then, it was just pretty much a hobby until people knew I could do hemming. It just grew from there.”

Pruitt will be giving a live demonstration of her craft at the DeKalb County Fair on Thursday, June 26 at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m.

Hello Nicole!

Meet Nicole Wright, the next DeKalb County Clerk and Master for the Chancery Court.

Appointed by Chancellor Ronald Thurman to succeed longtime Clerk and Master Debra Malone upon her retirement effective June 27, Wright will be taking her oath of office that afternoon at 4 p.m. in Smithville. Wright’s first full day will be Monday, June 30.

“I am truly honored to be considered for this position, and I look forward to assuming the duties of the office,” Wright told WJLE Tuesday.

“I learned about the opening a few months ago. I immediately began to pray about it and consider it. I submitted my resume to the Chancellor and later interviewed with him. A little over a week ago, he informed me that I got the job,” said Wright.

Born and raised in DeKalb County, Wright has made public service a lifelong career.

“I began my adventures in public service here in DeKalb County in 1995. I went to work for the DeKalb County Ambulance Service. I was an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) for 25 years working at various times in that position. I served at the 911 Dispatch under the direction of former Sheriff Lloyd Emmons and later became a dispatcher for the City of Smithville Police and Fire departments. I subsequently worked at the DeKalb County E-911 centralized dispatch center when it relocated to its new facility for a brief period,” stated Wright.

“Following that, I worked as a Deputy Clerk for former Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack for six years and ran for the position in the 2018 August election as the Democratic nominee when Ms. Pack chose not to seek re-election. I was subsequently employed by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office of Warren County.

“During my career, I also worked for five years as an Office Administrator for local attorney Jeremy Trapp. I served as an Escrow Officer for DeKalb Title, LLC for five years. In October 2024, I became a Deputy Trustee at the DeKalb County Trustee’s office,” Wright said.

Nicole and her husband Jeff Wright reside in Smithville, and they have three daughters and four grandchildren. Jeff has also made a career in public service, both as a career firefighter for the City of Murfreesboro and as Deputy Chief and 39-year veteran firefighter of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department.

“Smithville is our home, and I enjoy working near my family,” said Wright.

Nicole plans no major changes in the operation of the office and the two current employees will stay on including full time deputy clerk, Amanda Vaughn, and part time deputy clerk Sarah Evans.

“I am so grateful they have agreed to stay,” said Wright. “Debra has done a tremendous job in her many years of service, and I look forward to keeping that going. I certainly want to wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement,” she said.

“I enjoy meeting new people and engaging in conversations. Our door remains open, and we are here to serve,” Wright concluded.

Goodbye Debra!

Almost 26 years after becoming Clerk and Master for the DeKalb County Chancery Court, Debra Malone has announced her retirement, effective June 27.

Nicole Wright has been appointed to a six-year term as the new Clerk and Master by Chancellor Ronald Thurman to succeed Malone.

In an interview with WJLE recently, Malone explained that while she has been Clerk and Master since October 1999, she actually began working in the office almost 35 years ago when she was hired as a deputy clerk by former Clerk and Master John Robert Nixon in 1990.

“At the time I was working at Federal Mogul in the office when a friend and co-worker told me about a soon to be job opening in the courthouse. He knew about it because his wife had worked for another county official there. I checked on it and learned that an employee for Mr. Nixon was leaving so I came in and talked to John and he hired me. I’ve been here ever since,” said Malone.

Although she never expected the opportunity of a career in this line of work, Malone said she has always enjoyed the job, and Mr. Nixon (now deceased) was a great mentor to her.

“When I came to work in 1990 as deputy clerk for John I was 32 years old. My husband, Miles and I have one son, Granger, who had just turned 5 years old at that time. There were a few challenging times, trying to learn the job, transferring from handwriting everything in books to computers, trying to keep up with all the changes in the laws and proper procedures, but I can truly say I have loved this job. Mr. Nixon was so good to work with, and such a great teacher. He became a great friend to me. John and I had worked together for 9 years when he decided to retire” she continued.

Before Nixon stepped down, Malone said she let him know she was interested in the Clerk and Master position, but of course it was the Chancellor at the time Vernon Neal, who had to make the appointment. Malone remembered how she got the call from the Chancellor.

“I had previously let him (Nixon) know that I was interested in the position of Clerk and Master whenever he retired, and he had shared that with Chancellor Neal. I’ll never forget the phone call from Chancellor Neal, which I wasn’t expecting or prepared for, in which he said “So, tell me why you think you’d be a good Clerk and Master”. Of course, caught off guard, I was dumbfounded, and couldn’t answer immediately. Then he laughed and I relaxed a bit and was able to speak again,” explained Malone.

Not long after that phone call, Malone got the job when Nixon retired, and she is thankful to Chancellor Neal (now deceased) for the opportunity.

“I was appointed to the office on October 1st of 1999 and have always appreciated and enjoyed being the Clerk and Master for DeKalb County. I thank God always for the blessings this position has brought me and my family over the years, and hopefully I have done a good job for the county. My parents taught me to always do the best job possible at whatever I’m doing, and I’ve tried to do that,” said Malone.

In 2006, Chancellor Neal retired from the bench, and he was succeeded by Chancellor Ronald Thurman.

“I appreciate Chancellor Thurman so much and have enjoyed working with him for 19 years. He is a very considerate, caring and accommodating person and is always ready to assist us when needed,” said Malone.

As she prepares to leave the office, Malone said she is thankful to her current and past employees for their dedication and hopes they will remember her as a “good and fair boss”. Malone is also grateful to the public and others, especially the county commission, for their support.

“For many years it was just me and one deputy clerk but in 2019 the County Commission approved the hiring of a part-time clerk. That has improved the efficiency of this office,” said Malone. “And I have had some great deputy clerks. Judy Mathis and I worked together for more than 12 years before her retirement, and Amanda Vaughn has been with me since September of 2014. Both have been not only my co-workers but have come to be very good friends of mine. We’ve also had several part-time deputy clerks since 2019 including Sarah Evans, the sweet young lady who is working with us now,” she said.

“This position has been such a blessing to me and my family, and I have learned so much working with the court system,” Malone continued. “I’ve attended many training sessions and conferences offered by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts and by CTAS. It’s amazing to me that I have been in this office for more than 34 years and I’m still learning something new all the time. I’ve met a lot of good people and made several good friends over the years. Most of the attorneys have been so good to work with, and their secretaries are just great. When dealing with the public you get a mix of good and not so good, but the good outweighs the bad every time”.

Malone also fondly remembered longtime friend and real estate auctioneer Charles Atnip who often helped her with court ordered sales. Atnip passed away earlier this year.

“Over the years I’ve worked with a few different auctioneers through court ordered sales and dealt with some fine people. Most have always been very considerate and helpful in any way possible. The Charles D. Atnip Realty and Auction Company gave me my education in auctions,” explained Malone. “We spent many extremely hot days together, and 3 or 4 super cold, snowy or icy days doing auctions, but it was always good to work with them, and they always gave 100% no matter the size or dollar value of the sale. Charles Atnip was a good friend to me, and I miss him,” said Malone.

“As I approach my retirement, I realize I won’t be seeing and visiting with many of the people I’ve come to know so well, and that’s sad in many cases. I appreciate the time we’ve spent together. But I’m also preparing for a new phase of life in which clocks and appointments are less important, and the freedom of unscheduled days lies ahead. Thank you, DeKalb County,” said Malone.

Next week, the torch will pass to a new Clerk and Master and Malone wishes her successor well.

“Nicole Wright has accepted the position of Clerk and Master and will soon take the oath of office. I wish her the best and hope she enjoys her time as the DeKalb County Clerk and Master as much as I have,” said Malone.

A new jail on a new site?

It was only a recommendation but if the full county commission votes later this month the same way the jail committee voted Monday night, a new jail and sheriff’s department complex will be built on another site, other than the current location. The committee has not yet settled on a recommendation regarding the number of beds, costs, or the funding option.

The jail committee vote was 9-2 in favor of eliminating the existing site as an option and building a new jail complex on a green space, yet to be identified. Member Tony Luna made the motion and member Andy Pack offered a second. Members voting for the motion along with Luna and Pack were Tom Chandler, Daniel Cripps, Sabrina Farler, Brandon Donnell, Greg Matthews, Jeff Barnes, and Chairman Larry Green. Members Myron Rhody and Beth Pafford voted no. Members Mathias Anderson, Tony (Cully) Culwell, and Glynn Merriman were absent.

Although all members of the county commission make up the jail committee, the commission would still have to formally vote on the jail committee’s recommendation which could come next week when the commission meets in regular monthly session.

For at least some jail committee members, their decision Monday night was based somewhat on the latest cost estimates provided by Treanor Architects and Bell Construction that put the price tag for jail construction from $8 to $9 million higher on the current site (two story structure) than on a green space (one level building) when comparing the 152 bed versus 200 bed options.

No one from Treanor or Bell were able to attend the meeting Monday night, but their findings were addressed by jail committee Chairman Larry Green.

“It is possible to do a one-story jail next to the existing jail but we would still have to use the existing jail for the administration part only. There would be no prisoners in the existing jail,” said Green. “With the existing jail, they have costs of $5.6 million to redo the existing jail (miscellaneous logistics utility lay down, etc.) whatever we do downtown. And they also pointed out when they get inside that jail to start refurbishing it they have no idea what they are getting into when they start knocking down walls and tearing up floors because they will have to gut the inside of it. And whatever we do downtown is all we would ever be able to do downtown because there is no more room to expand. A 152-bed jail on the existing site would run $36.8 million. On a green site, a 152-bed jail would run $28.2 million. That’s roughly an $8 million difference. If we build a 200-bed jail on the existing site its $43.8 million and on a green site its $34.5 million,” he said.

Although no site has yet been recommended for purchase, two properties have been at the forefront of discussion among the commission.

“I talked to the owners of the Smith Road property (71.5 acres) that we looked at and they have offered to sell it to the county for $1.8 million instead of $2 million and we have the Robinson Road property which is $1.3 million for 36 acres,” explained Green.

“Once we make a decision on the land then the next step is hiring an architect and then the architect, the sheriff, TCI, and the commission would get together and work on the final plan for it and then the architect would draw up blueprints and send it out to contractors. Any land we buy has to be pending soil samples,” said Green.

According to Green, the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI) would need to give the final plan its stamp of approval as meeting conditions for state certification. TCI representatives were in attendance at Monday night’s jail committee meeting but did not speak.

“So, we are not even looking at the (existing) Smithville Elementary property when the (new) school is constructed? There is 14 acres there that we already own” said member Myron Rhody.

“The school board owns that,” replied Chairman Green.

“Yes, but it (belongs to) the taxpayers and it has all the infrastructure already there,” said Rhody.

“We’ve had a kickback from some people wanting to see the jail on the current site no matter what because they don’t want a disruption to their neighborhood or for whatever reason,” said member Chandler.

“At some point we need some feedback from the citizens of the county on whether they are willing to pay another 8 to 9 million dollars more to have it on the current site knowing that if you say that it will potentially impact the tax rate. My gut tells me there are people in this county that want it on the current site no matter what the cost is,” said Chandler.

After the vote, member Pafford made a motion for the county to advertise seeking other land options which might be better suited and closer to the courthouse, but her motion died due to the lack of a second.

During the public comment period, Steven Cantrell, in part, said facts not considered in the proposed jail cost estimates should be addressed. “Mathias (Anderson) highlighted in previous discussions the cost of transporting prisoners from a green space to the city. That was a lot of money. I would recommend that you get those figures because those could in maybe a matter of 10 to 12 years offset those costs for building it downtown as opposed to on a green space. All we are looking at now is jail here, jail there but not the logistics of going back and forth so I would ask that you consider that as you go forward,” said Cantrell.

“I know we need a jail. I have worked or been involved in emergency services most of my life. I understand how it works. I like the idea of leaving the jail where its at and building right where it is. I just don’t think that DeKalb County needs a 200-bed jail. People are used to the jail being where it’s at. I don’t think it’s going to affect the Jamboree or Friday night shopping. I think going to 70 acres is ridiculous. I don’t think I’m alone in what I think,” said Darcie Cripps.

“Huge decisions like this need to go to the public. If you have more information, you should be sharing it line by line somewhere where people could go to and look at pros and cons of this location and pros and cons of that location and then get input from the citizenry, have town meetings, send out flyers and have people return them. Let the constituents say this is what we want. That’s how everyone should be looking at this,” said Paul Miranda.

As another option, Miranda suggested that the county look at building the jail on property near the county owned solid waste transfer station off Highway 70 east behind Tenneco Automotive.

The jail committee meeting began with a video presentation showing all around the outside, inside, and overhead views of the existing jail property narrated by Sheriff Patrick Ray.

The Department of Health (TDH) is reminding families across the state that now is the time to make immunizations a priority. With students on summer break and families enjoying camps, pools, and outdoor fun, this is an ideal time for parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated before heading back to school in August.

The DeKalb County Health Department will have Vaccine Clinics for Kindergarten to 12th grade and college students on July 22 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and July 24 from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

What Parents Should Know:

Kindergarteners and other children enrolling in a Tennessee school for the first time must provide schools with a complete, official Tennessee Immunization Certificate before classes begin. The certificate must be signed by a qualified health care provider or verified by the state’s Immunization Information System.
All current students entering seventh grade must provide schools with a limited official Tennessee Immunization Certificate showing they have received a Tdap booster (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).
College-bound students should check with their school for specific requirements. However, teens who are fully vaccinated, including having received a meningitis booster after age 16, will meet requirements for all Tennessee state-run colleges.

The full list of Tennessee childcare and school immunization requirements is available at tn.gov/health/cedep/immunization-program/ip/vfc.

Routine Immunizations for All Ages:

In addition to school-required shots, local health departments provide vaccines for infants, children, teens, and adults. These include protection against hepatitis A and B, HPV, meningococcal disease, and more. Staying current on recommended immunizations helps reduce the spread of disease in families, schools, and communities.

Fight Flu Event – October 21, 2025 :

To help protect Tennesseans from seasonal flu, TDH offers the influenza vaccine in all health departments across the state. Please call your local health department for times and availability. If you can join us, on October 21st, all 95 county health departments will offer free flu shots to the public as part of the Fight Flu statewide campaign. The flu shot is safe, effective, and your best defense against serious flu illness.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about available immunizations, contact your local health department or visit health department vaccine clinics

The 27th Annual Fiddler 5K and One Mile Fun Run, sponsored by Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County will be Saturday, July 5. All proceeds from the race are used in building another Habitat for Humanity home in DeKalb County.

The race on Saturday, July 5 will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. downtown Smithville RAIN OR SHINE on Church Street in front of the First Baptist Life Enrichment Center, Smithville. The race ends on Church Street in front of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. The Fiddler 5K is a qualifying race for the Run the Cumberland Medal Series of Races.

Anybody who is interested in participating either in the one-mile fun run or the 5K may go to www.fiddler5k.com where you’ll find all the details and a link to online registration.

https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Smithville/Fiddler5k

PRE-REGISTRATION is open until July 2, 2025, at Noon ($30 for adults 19 and up and $25 for ages 18 and under).

REGISTRATION from July 2 at 12 NOON to Race Day will be $35 for adults 19 and up and $30 for ages 18 and under.

PRE-REGISTRATION PERKS: You can save money, are guaranteed a shirt and may pick up your packet early

RACE DAY REGISTRATION is available beginning at 5:45 a.m. on Race Day ($35 for adults 19 and up and $30 for ages 18 and under)

Shirts are only guaranteed to those who pre-register by July 2, 2025, at Noon. However, there are usually plenty! They will not hold shirts past race day at 7:00 a.m.

RACE DAY Check-In, Pre-Registered Check-In and Race Day Registration are from 5:45 a.m. until 6:45 a.m. on July 5th in the parking lot of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home near the finish line on Church Street.

EARLY PACKET PICKUP for those who pre-registered before July 4, 2025, at Noon, will be held on July 4th, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center on Church Street.

Fiddler 5K Awards are given to Overall Male and Female Finishers, Male and Female Masters (40+), and in age groups 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

Fun Run Awards are given to the Overall Male and Female Finishers age 12 and under and the top 3 male and female finishers age 12 and under.

The course is certified and professionally timed.

Strollers are welcome but should line up at the rear. No pets allowed. 5K course is open for 60 minutes.

For more information email director@fiddler5k.com or visit www.fiddler5k.com.

Breanna AvaGrace Powell was crowned the 2025 Miss Jamboree Queen in the age 16-18 category Saturday at the county complex auditorium. The event was a fundraiser for the Last-Minute Toy Shop.

Powell, the 18-year-old daughter of Jason and Jacqueline Powell of Sparta was also awarded for Prettiest Hair, Attire, and Most Photogenic.

McKenna Reece Miller of Dowelltown was 1st runner-up. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Christen and Charles Cox and David Miller.

Second runner-up went to Chaylea Lunsford, the 17-year-old daughter of Daniel and Christy Lunsford of Liberty. She also won optional awards for Prettiest Eyes and Smile.

Winners in the 13-15 age division:

Queen Farrah Rigsby, 13-year-old daughter of David and Tyroma Rigsby of Lebanon. She was also awarded for Prettiest Attire.

Fourteen-year-old Kenli Faith Fish was 1st runner-up. She is the daughter of Tiffany Pedigo and Cody Fish of Smithville. Her optional award was for Prettiest Hair.

Brileigh Nicole Bullard received second runner-up. She is the 14-year-old daughter of Nikki and Jimmy Martin and Riley and Kayla Bullard of Smithville. Bullard received optional awards for Prettiest Eyes, Smile and Most Photogenic.

The other contestant was Jenna Kay Brock of Cookeville, the 15-year-old daughter of Mark and the late Daphne Brock.

Winners in the 10-12-year-old age group:

Queen Cortlynn Joins, the 10-year-old daughter of Brandon and Stephanie Joins of Castalian Springs. She also won for Prettiest Eyes.

Serenity Rayne Foster was 1st runner-up. She is the 11-year-old daughter of Justin and Shea Foster of Dowelltown. She won the People’s Choice Award.

Second runner-up went to MaKaeleigh Tarpley, 12-year-old daughter of Derrick and Brittney Tarpley of Elmwood. She also captured the Prettiest Attire and Prettiest Smile optional awards.

Arraya Jenae Taylor of Smithville, 12-year-old daughter of Angie Taylor, received an optional award for Prettiest Hair.

The Most Photogenic award went to Shaniya Bates, 11-year-old daughter of Tom and Chyna Bates of Liberty.

The other contestant was Stella Grace Adcock, 10-year-old daughter of Byron and Paige Adcock of Smithville

Winners in the 7–9-year-old category:

Queen Wrigley Jared, the 9-year-old daughter of Tim and Shelly Jared of Smithville. She also took home optional awards for Prettiest Attire and Most Photogenic.

Julie Chandyna was 1st runner-up. She is the 9-year-old daughter of Heather Chandyna of Smithville. She also received optional awards for Prettiest Eyes and Prettiest Smile.

Brinleigh Cole Bain, 7-year-old daughter of Amber Bain of Smithville was 2nd runner-up. She won for Prettiest Hair and the People’s Choice Award.

Winners in the 4–6-year-old category:

Queen Aspen Kate Dalton, 5-year-old daughter of Fletcher and Liz Dalton of Sparta. She also won optional award for Prettiest Attire, Most Photogenic, and the People’s Choice.

First runner-up went to Jazmin Perez, 5-year-old daughter of Blanca Jones and Joel Perez of Smithville. She won for Prettiest Smile, Hair, and Eyes.

Winners in the girls 25 to 48 months category:

Queen Indy Williams, 28-month-old daughter of Brian and Stephanie Williams of Smithville. She also won for Prettiest Attire, Most Photogenic, and People’s Choice.

First runner-up went to Enleigh Brooke Phillips, 40-month-old daughter of Kyle and MaKenzi Phillips of Dowelltown. Her optional award was for Prettiest Hair.

Jacee Martin was second runner-up. She is 2-year-old daughter of Ashley and Gaven of Dowelltown
Corie Rae Smith, 28-month-old daughter of Jesse and Chloe Smith of Smithville received optional awards for Prettiest Eyes and Smile.

Winner in the boys 25 to 48 months category:

Jaidyn Kane Turner, 26-month-old son of Marques and Shauna Turner of Murfreesboro. His optional awards were for Prettiest Eyes, Hair, Attire, Smile, and Most Photogenic.

Winners in the girls 13-24 months category:

Queen Ettalyn Val Rankhorn, 13-month-old daughter of Jacob and Ashlee Rankhorn of Rock Island. She also won for Prettiest Smile and Most Photogenic.

First runner-up was Katlyn Gibbs, 18-month-old daughter of Jana Gibbs of Sparta

20-month-old Lemon Grace Dalton was 2nd runner-up. She is the daughter of Fletcher and Liz Dalton of Sparta. Her optional awards were for Prettiest Eyes, Attire, and People’s Choice.

Stella Seifert, 21-month-old daughter of Sierra Silver and Colton Seifert of Smithville, won for Prettiest Hair.

Winners in the girls 7-12 months group:

Queen Charlotte Cay Koelle, 12-month-old daughter of Heather and Christian Koelle of Smithville. She also won for Prettiest Attire, Smile, and Most Photogenic.

First runner-up went to Stella Clouse, 10-month-old daughter of Drake and Amanda Clouse of Smithville. Her optional award was for Prettiest Eyes.

Winner of boys 7-12 months:

King Holden Ray McCloud, 7-month-old son of Harlan and Amanda McCloud of Smithville. He also won for Prettiest Eyes, Attire, Smile, and Most Photogenic.

Winner of girls 1 day to 6 months:

Queen Andi Jo Oyster, 5-month-old daughter of Coleman and Morgan Marie Oyster of Woodbury. She also received optional awards for Prettiest Eyes, Hair, Attire, Smile, People’s Choice and Most Photogenic.

Winners in the age 19-49 category for ladies:

Queen Arista Isabella Rigsby of Lebanon, 20-year-old daughter of David and Tyroma Rigsby. She also won for Prettiest Eyes, Attire, and Most Photogenic.

First Runner-up was Kenlee Renae Taylor, 20-year-old daughter of Ken and Cindy Taylor of Smithville. Her optional awards were for Prettiest Hair and Smile.

Winners in the age 50 plus category for ladies:
Queen 58-year-old Teresa Winchester Stanley of Smithville. Her optional awards were for Prettiest Eyes and Hair.

First Runner-up was 60-year-old Tammy West of Smithville. She also won for Prettiest Attire, Smile, People’s Choice, and Most Photogenic.

Smithville Elementary will hold kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year on Monday, July 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Smithville Elementary. (If you have already pre-registered your child you do not need to attend this event.)

Please bring COPIES of the following documents to Registration:

– Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate

– Current, up-to-date, physical examination and immunization record (These must be on a Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization, which can be obtained from
your doctor’s office or the Health Department)

– Proof of residency for DeKalb County (i.e. gas/electric bill)

* Children who register to attend kindergarten must turn five years old on or before August 15, 2025.

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps has hired a total of 232 teachers and other professional personnel for the 2025-26 school year.

Cripps presented a list of the employees to the Board of Education Thursday night.

Certified personnel at each school are as follows:

DeKalb County High School:
Joey Agee, Brandy Alley, Charlotte Blaylock, Amanda Brown, Brian Cadle, Jeanine Cantrell, Todd Cantrell, Hope Carter, Lisa Craig, Eli Cross, Hannah Culwell, Bruce Curtis, Deborah DePriest, Edward Dillard, Ethan Duke, Luke Dycus, Lauren Ferrell, Amy Fricks, Amanda Fuller, Luke Green, Britney Gulley, Josh Gulley, Lesa Hayes, Bradley Hendrix, Sonja House, Ann Inglis, Alivia Jared, Angie Johnson, Jon Jones, Lindsay Kennedy, Dylan Kleparek, Brad Leach, Rebecca Miller, Lori Myrick, Jenny Norris, Morgan Oyster, Shelly Painter, Leslie Parsley, Cole Parsley, Maxwell Patterson, John Pryor, Cody Randolph, Maddison Richardson, Gabby Robinson, Melissa Ruch, Michael Shaw, Steve Trapp, Erin Turner, Stephanie Turner, Tad Webb, Barbara Weller, Brittany Weller, Emily Wheeler, Kason Wheeler, Michael Whitefield, Seth Willoughby, and Sara Young.

Northside Elementary School:
Marla Beshearse, Callie Betencourt, Linda Bush, Sandy Cantrell, Shanea Cantrell, Shaunta Cantrell, Megan Carroll, Taylor Chapman, Allison Collier, Kelsey Cornelius, Tiffany Cowart, Alisha Day, Tara Driver, Tabitha Farmer, Megan Ford, Stephanie Fuson, Amanda Goodwin, Carrie Gottlied, Amanda Griffith, Patty Hale, Jennifer Herndon, Shelly Jennings, Angela Johnson, Trey Jones, Sarah Kurtz, Lisa Mabe, Amanda Mathis, Elizabeth Miller, Diana Moon, Melissa Odom, Beth Pafford, Amanda Parker, Greg Rains, Kathy Ramsey, Amy Raymond, Bethany Rigsby, Kristen Rowland, Melissa Roysdon, Jennifer Salas, Tammy Sims, Carol Tripp, Cheryl Vandagriff, Melissa Wallace, and Kristen Van Vranken.

DeKalb West School:
Jessica Antoniak, Crystal Barnes, Vickey Barrett, Dwayne Blair, Hannah Bratton, Mollie Bratten, Whitney Brelje, Jenny Cantrell, Jeanna Caplinger, Rayanna Chapman, Trent Colwell, Kim Crook, Kayley Curtis, Rachel Desimone, Wade Dunnaway, Tonya Ellis, Sabrina Farler, Rachel Hernandez, Cathleen Humphrey, Kristen Malone, Jennifer Martin, Shelia McMillen, Leslie Moore, Amanda Mullinax, Olivia Neal, Ashley Nokes, Kelly Pyburn, Missy Sliger, Cynthia Snow, Teresa Sullivan, Susan West, Samantha Woodward, and Amy Young.

Smithville Elementary School:
Misty Agee, Ashley Barnes, Katie Barrett, Lindsey Bouldin, Priscilla Campbell, Beth Cantrell, Cayla Cantrell, Mary Cantrell, Claire Cloyd, Brittany Daniel, Amy Davis, Calista Dodson, Ashley Dugaw, Madison Elkins, Caitlin Fox, Karen France, Stephanie Hensley, Tanya Howard, Amber Howell, Kelly Huling, Elizabeth James, Ana Jarvis, Sydney Johnson, Stormy Komandosky, Emily Lattimore, Leah Magness, Stephanie Majors, Adrienne McCormick, Christina Merriman, Serah Mitchell, Chloe Mooneyham, Jacquelyn Overbey, Anita Puckett, Jane Ramsey, Amanda Rhoady, Janie Roberts, Sydney Simmonds, Brian Smith, Cristy Spears, Cynthia Stoglin, Kaylene Thomason, Allyson Trapp, Brad Trapp, Carol Tripp, Patricia Ward, Kristy Williams, Lisa Woods, Elizabeth Wright, and Crystal Young.

DeKalb Middle School:
January Agee, Josh Agee, Suzette Barnes, Kelly Birmingham, Galen Brown, Victoria Christian, Nancy Cowan, Melba Farmer, Heather Harney, Amy Hayes, Holly Hendrix, Lori Hendrix, Lorie Isabell, Sarah Jacobs-McGregor, Nikitta Johnson, Bryan Jones, Michelle Jones, Teresa Jones, Alyssa Leslie, Cameron Lester, Kristen Lynch, Martha Melching, LeVaughnda Midgett, Justin Nokes, Colter Norris, Erin Patterson, Courtney O’Conner, Scott Odom, Hunter Poteete, Justin Poteete, Deb Poteete, Candice Scrabo, Jennifer Sykes, Carson Speck, Danni Stahlke, Carol Tallent, Kitty Thomas, Cheryl Vance, Isaac Vincent, Jennifer West, and Christie Young

Central Office Staff:
Michelle Burklow, Danielle Collins, Elise Driver, Emily Estes, Randy Jennings, Joey Reeder, Lori Rogers, and Natasha Vaughn.

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps has employed the 178 support staff members for the 2025-26 school year.

The personnel report was submitted to the Board of Education during Thursday night’s regular monthly meeting.

Those employed are as follows:

DeKalb County High School:
Abby Bates, Dean Broadhead, Kathy Chapman, Jamie Cripps, Rochelle Davis, Tena Edwards, Lori Gallagher, Yvonne Hale, Brooke Hutchings, Mary King, Tracy Kyle, Susan Farris, Cheryl Mach, Marsha Martin, Mike Merriman, Tera Mooneyham, Holly Moore, Sara Parker, Santos Sosa, Tim Stribling, Cynthia Taylor, Tina Templeton, and Vicky Walker.

DeKalb Middle School:
Fay Baker, Deanna Brooks, Martha Cantrell, Katie Denton, Trena Ferrell, Brittany Gard, Kecia Harden, Ester Holder, Patricia Linder, Tammy Maynard, Lacey McMillen, Lisa Norton, Brandi Patterson, Tina Pedigo, Nina Poole, and Miranda Waggoner

Smithville Elementary School:
Jennifer Adcock, Charlotte Bertsh, Jamie Bloise, Brenda Beth Cantrell, Brenda G. Cantrell, Kellen Curtis, Darlene Evans, Betty Griffith, Margie Hale, Tanya Howard, Amanda Johnson, Malia Laird, Isla Ledbetter, Talitha Looney, Rita Matthews, Chelsie May, Rebecca Parker, Lori Poss, Brenda Rigney, Jennifer Roller, Talitha Shirah, Jackie Stockling, Marie Storie, Allison Taylor, Mary-Margaret Tripp, Tammy Tyler, Harper Wallace, and Celia Whaley.

Northside Elementary School:
Kortny Blaylock, Chelsie Bryant, Doris Cantrell, Rosalinda Cervantas, Amber Cripps. Terrie Ford, Glenda Gassaway, Mary Hancock, Tamara Judkins, LaTonya Kleparek, Ivory Knauer, Ann Knisley, Crystal Moore, Angela O’Connell, Deanna Page, David Parker, Dennis Patz, Carla Pelham, Joy Troncoso, Rita Umstead, Harper Wallace, and Deneene Willingham.

DeKalb West School:
Emily Davis, Donna Driver, Makenzie Dunaway, Alex Hancock, Korin Harrod, Jessica Lieser, Nancy Mulloy, Riley Overstreet, Courtney Reynolds, Tonya Roberts, Christine Roehner, Kristi Sullivan, Danyelle Troyer, Brandi Turney, and Brandi Womack.

County Wide Positions:
Chandra Adcock, Ally Atnip, Amanda Carter, Cindy Childers, James Culberson, Debra Culver, Bettye June Dodd, Kathy Dodd, Christie Driver, Susan Farris, Wade Ferrell, Lacey Foutch, Greg Frasier, Jordon Funk, Donna Hale, Lisa Hale, Judy Hafifield, Rebecca Hawkins, Bernice Hendrixson, Dillon Hicks, Karen Kidd, Ginda Kilgore,  Terrie Kilgore, Lindsey Knight, Ashley Lawson, Maggie Lawson, Jenean Lawson, Debra London, Shirley Mathis, Greg Matthews, Kirby Morton, Melissa Pirtle, Danny Pirtle, Jr., Cindy Rhody, Frederick Sanders, Kathy Stanley, Beverly Starnes, Barbara Thweatt, Kimberly Turner, Jamie Vickers, Penny Walker, Jeff Whitefield, Joannie Williams, Mary Williams, and Aaron Young.

Transportation:
Zack Adams, Debra Bernal, Danny Bond, Dwayne Cantrell, Todd Cantrell, Debbie Eaton, Marshall Ferrell, Lori Gallagher, David Gash, Judith Hale, Melissa Hicks, Danny Jenkins, Daniel Lawson, Josh Lawson, Cheryl Mach, Scott McBroom, Mike Merriman, Ronald Merriman, Brandi O’Conner, Linda Gail Pack, Tony Poss, Kelly Pyburn, Ashley Redmon, Myron Rhody, Carol Swope, Mark Violet, Danny Washer, Angela Wilkerson, and Linda Williams.