Uncategorized

The county has initiated its plan to tighten security at the courthouse.

The public must now enter the courthouse from the eastside across from Smithville City Hall at the top the handicapped ramp on the second floor.  All other entrance doors to the courthouse are locked from the outside.

Constable Mark Milam, courthouse security officer, will screen all persons coming into the courthouse and they will have to go through a metal detector. The election commission remains in operation on the first floor but will soon be moving to the county complex near the offices of the county clerk, register of deeds, trustee, and assessor of property.

“The courthouse security project has come into effect. The County Courthouse will have one secure entrance. All of those looking to visit the courthouse will have to enter at the eastside entrance that faces Smithville City Hall. The general public is not allowed to have in possession any firearm or weapon, no cell phones, no bags, no briefcases, or any other item that could secure a weapon, explosive device or other ordnance,” said County Mayor Matt Adcock

“The security measure is in full effect. There are new security windows that provide for security measures, and new doors that provide better security for the building”, said County Mayor Adcock.

Last August County Mayor Adcock advocated that the basement be the only secured entrance to the courthouse but the County’s Public Works Committee instead chose the eastside second floor entrance by the handicapped ramp.

“I am concerned about handicapped persons making it up the ramp. Maybe that will not be an issue. I hope not,” said county Mayor Adcock.

Beefing up courthouse security has been of particular concern to General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Brandon Cox who has addressed the county commission and its committees about the issue several times since 2022.

Judge Cox, in August 2024 again stated his reasons for tighter courthouse security

“First, the reason I had a renewed push for security is the incident that occurred at the Monroe County Justice Center wherein a man armed with a semi-automatic rifle entered the premises and began shooting. Fortunately, Monroe County had security and the man was stopped before he hurt anyone. That would not have happened in DeKalb. That man would have had free run of the courthouse until police arrived on scene,” said Judge Cox

 “I am glad to hear that there is movement to address this issue as I’ve been requesting the same since 2022. And I’m also pleased that the election commission will be getting adequate space at the complex,” said Judge Cox.

“Court business is necessarily adversarial. People fight over property, children, and their freedom in that building. And a great number of folks are not happy with decisions I or the other judges make. On top of all that we have a significant mental health crisis in our community. We have the capacity to make common-sense, cost-effective changes to address this issue now,” Judge Cox concluded.

The county has its first certified building codes inspector.

During Monday night’s monthly meeting, the county commission approved the hiring of Davey Horton by the county mayor to fill the newly created part-time position. He will serve as a 1099 employee and receive no county benefits.

Horton has experience in the job. He currently serves as a certified building inspector for the City of McMinnville

Earlier this year the county commission adopted a resolution establishing the current state building codes for the county to go by in issuing its own building permits. Establishing a building permit system would allow the county to collect fees on inspections of new construction rather than the state.

With Horton’s hiring, the county commission voted to enter into a contract with him and his salary will be derived from 65% of fee collections from building permits and all inspections except for electrical which are done by the state. The county must submit to the state a completed 14-page survey which is to be followed by an audit to ensure local compliance. Audits are done every three years.

Funds for the program are included in the proposed 2025-26 fiscal year budget.

The DeKalb County High School Tigerette Fastpitch Softball team arrived home late Wednesday night with a police escort and sirens blazing in celebration of a 2025 TSSAA Division 1 Region 4 Championship.

(Video submitted by Carsyn Beshearse)

The Tigerettes, the District Champs, took down Lawrence County on the road 11-1 Wednesday evening to capture the Region Tournament crown and will advance to the Sectionals with a showdown against visiting Lenoir City Saturday, May 17 at 3 p.m. in Smithville at the Danny Bond Field. WJLE will have LIVE coverage.

Working with federal authorities, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department today (Wednesday) assisted in the arrest of a Georgia man in Smithville wanted for Indiana child sex crimes.

47-year-old Michael Andrew Denton of Snapping Shoals Georgia is charged in a fugitive from justice warrant with four counts of child molestation and three counts of child molestation with intercourse. He was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on a $75,000 bond and his court date is May 29. Denton is awaiting extradition to Indiana.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said according to a U.S. Marshal’s media release, “A U.S. Marshal’s Task Force in Tennessee working a collateral lead from the U.S. Marshal’s Service in Indiana today (Wednesday) arrested a man wanted in Indianapolis, Indiana for multiple sex crimes against children. The warrant for Denton’s arrest was issued in the superior court of Marion County, Indiana on May 7, 2025”

“On May 9, the Indianapolis metro police department requested the assistance of the US Marshal’s Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in locating and apprehending Denton. Upon developing information, Denton was residing in the Smithville area. The Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Middle Tennessee Fugitive Task Force and located Denton at a residence on McMinnville Highway in Smithville. Denton was arrested without incident with the assistance of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and taken to the DeKalb County jail”.

Justin Potter Library is being recognized by the Tennessee Secretary of State-Tennessee Archives ListServ as part of a “Senior Service Spotlight” for its long running “Older Americans Day” celebration, held each May in conjunction with National Older Americans Month.

“ListServ” provides an open forum for discussion of archives related topics and serves as a network for libraries to share ideas and learn about grant opportunities and new programs to better serve the public.

“As part of our “Senior Service Spotlight”, we’re excited to highlight Justin Potter Library and its long running, community-centered “Older Americans Day” event. This celebration honors the older adults in the community with care, creativity, and a whole lot of teamwork,” in an article posted on the “ListServ” website.

“Older Americans Day”, now in its 45th year, will be held Wednesday May 14 in the theatre area of the Mike Foster Multi-Purpose Center located at 712 S Congress Boulevard. Vendor displays will be located in the gym area from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM with drawings for door prizes and entertainment to follow. This year’s theme is “Flip the Script on Aging”. The featured entertainment will be local ventriloquist, David Turner.

“Older Americans Day” is hosted by Justin Potter Library in partnership with the Alexandria Activities Center and the Smithville Senior Center. Everyone who is an Older American is invited to this free event. For more information, call Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359 visit on Facebook, Instagram or the website at dekalblibraries.net.

In a letter to DeKalb Library Director Kathy Hendrixson, State Data Coordinator Christy Chandler of the Tennessee State Library and Archives, offered congratulations.

“I am writing on behalf of the Tennessee State Library and Archives to extend our heartfelt congratulations to you and the team at Justin Potter Public Library for the well-deserved recognition your library has received. You have demonstrated the value of your library through outstanding service, particularly in your long-standing commitment to serving older adults in your community through the annual “Older Americans Day” celebration”.

“To continue this meaningful tradition for 45 years is an extraordinary achievement. Your efforts to honor and uplift the contributions of older Tennesseans not only build community but also serve as a reminder of the library’s role in connecting generations and celebrating lives of experience and wisdom. Your library’s dedication is a shining example for others across the state”.

“We at the Tennessee State Library and Archives are proud to count you among the committed leaders of Tennessee’s library community. Your library’s success reflects positively on the entire system, and we are confident that your continued service will inspire others to follow your lead”.

“Congratulations again on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to seeing your continued success and the inspiring ways Justin Potter Public Library connects with its community”, wrote Chandler.

“Its always nice to be recognized especially by your peers for something we have done for 45 years but that’s not why we do it. We do it because we love and serve our community especially our older Americans. They have lived a life of service to others and are now in their golden years. We just want to recognize them for what they have contributed and are still contributing to our community,” Library Director Kathy Hendrixson told WJLE.

Although she can’t take credit for starting the program 45 years ago, Library Director Hendrixson has carried on the tradition.

“I didn’t start this (Older Americans Day observance). It started in the 1980’s and Ms. Idell Spann was probably the director at that time,” said Hendrixson. “She got it started and later Director June Vaughn continued it through the years. The program has grown. We used to have the observance in a small section of the library. We had to move the furniture to make room for maybe 50 people, and we had no vendors at the time. We added to the library (expansion) in 2003 and while we still had to move some furniture we could hold more people with a few vendors. In recent years, the event has been held at the county complex auditorium which is a much larger venue,” said Hendrixson.

The recognition, shared with other libraries in the ListServ forum, served as a means of honoring Justin Pottery library while giving others food for thought about starting their own annual “Older Americans Day” celebrations.

In the ListServ article, the following suggestions were offered based on how Justin Potter Library organizes its Older Americans Day event:

Here’s how they do it – and how you can, too:

Why It Matters
Attendees regularly express their appreciation and joy, and many return year after year. It’s more than a party – it’s a celebration of belonging, respect, and connection.

“We couldn’t do it without a great staff and library board. It’s truly a team effort.” – Kathy Hendrixson, Director

Origins and Growth
Older Americans Day at Justin Potter Library began before 2000, originally held in the library itself, with staff rearranging furniture and shelves to create space for seating and entertainment. In 2003, a library expansion allowed the program to grow—and grow it did! The event has since moved to the DeKalb County Complex, giving attendees access to the auditorium, gym, cafeteria, and Senior Center all in one location.

Attendance and Partnerships
Today, the event draws 125-140 attendees and includes 20+ vendors, ranging from the local Police and Fire Departments to healthcare providers, veteran services, and community agencies. The entire program is built on collaboration, with contributions from the Sheriff’s Department, Senior Centers, library board, and many volunteers.

Replication Tip: Identify key partners in your community or your region who share your goal of supporting older adults -senior centers, law enforcement, and local health agencies can all play a role.

Goody Bags, Lunches, and Door Prizes
Each attendee receives a thoughtfully assembled goody bag and sack lunch. Library staff and board members prepare sandwiches (chicken salad or pimento cheese – tradition matters!), while items like cakes, chips, water, and fruit are donated by businesses and senior centers. Local businesses are invited to donate promotional items and door prizes, and the response is strong – up to 60 prizes and 160 goody bags each year.

Replication Tip: Write to local businesses early and explain the purpose of your event – many are happy to donate in-kind items that promote their services while supporting the community.

Entertainment & Atmosphere
Entertainment is a highlight – from Elvis impersonators to ventriloquists, storytellers, and musical groups. The library pays for the entertainment, with costs rising over the years, but the joy it brings is well worth the investment.

Replication Tip: Explore local or regional entertainers and consider grant or local arts funding if costs are a concern.

Staying Library-Centered
Even in a large venue, the library stays front and center—offering large print materials and popular reads (like Amish fiction) that older patrons love. Staff use the event as a chance to connect attendees with resources and invite them back to the library year-round.

Marketing the Event
Promotion is ongoing and multi-channel: news releases to local newspapers and radio (WJLE), social media, and appearances on Chamber Chat—a monthly radio and local TV segment featuring library programs.

Replication Tip: Use community media outlets to reach older adults and their caregivers. Radio, local access TV, and flyers in community centers still go a long way!Search for:

Make friend for life with Jackson! The WJLE/DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pet of the Week”

Jackson is a two-year-old pointer/Coon hound that is already neutered and has had all of his vaccinations. He loves being outdoors. Jackson is sponsored by the Friends of the DeKalb Animal Coalition, so his adoption fee is only $50.

If you are interested in meeting Jackson, 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.