16th Annual Habitat Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale Friday

October 15, 2019
By: Tecia Puckett Pryor, Development Committee of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County

Who makes the best chili in DeKalb County?  Find out on Friday, October 18^th when Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County hosts its 16^th annual Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale.

Chili will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the DeKalb Courthouse Lawn.  In case of bad weather, the event will be moved to the DeKalb County Complex. For a cash donation, eat all the chili you want and vote for your favorite chili and the best decorated booth.  Ceramic chili mugs with the event’s logo are available for $20.00. Delicious baked goods prepared by members of local churches will also be for sale. Take out is also available.

“We are looking forward to another great day of good food and fellowship at the Chili Cook-off,” said Alex Woodward, president of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County.  “The proceeds from the Chili Cook-off will be used towards building in DeKalb County, so we hope everyone will come out and eat lots of chili for a great cause!”

There are 13 teams competing in the Chili Cook-off this year:  Adoration Home Health, “25th Anniversary Chili” from Evins Mill, “Hot Checks Chili” from Wilson Bank and Trust; “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials; “Boo Boo Crew” from the DeKalb County Health Department; “Tennessee Tradition” from DeKalb UT Extension; “First Choice Chili” from First Bank; “Indian Summer Chili” from Indian Creek Baptist Church; “Good Neighbors” from Jackie Smith State Farm; “MTNG-Take A Chance Chili?” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; “Powerhouse Chili” from Smithville Electric System; “Pick It or Ticket” from Smithville Police Department, and Smithville Rotary Club.

Last year, “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials took Top Chili Honors, with the newcomer team from the Smithville Police Department placing second. Third place chili honors went to “Just Good Chili” from The Inn at Evins Mill. The Best Decorated Booth Award went to “Powerhouse Chili” from Smithville Electric System, with “DC Health Dept. Heartburn Defenders” from the DeKalb County Health Department coming in second place and “MTNG Clubhouse Chili” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas placing third. The Golden Spoon Award went to “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials, who raised an additional $225.00 for Habitat in cash donations at their booth. Rounding out the ten participating teams were “The Bean Counters” from Janney & Associates; “Hot Checks Chili” from Wilson Bank and Trust; “First Bank’s First Chili” from First Bank; and “Loan Rangers” from Liberty State Bank.

The 2018 event raised $4,400 for Habitat.  A “Golden Spoon” award again be given for the team that collects the most extra cash for Habitat at their booth.

Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.

For more information on the Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale, contact Tecia Puckett Pryor at 615-597-7370.  To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, call 615-215-8181 or find them on Facebook @HFHDeKalb TN.

October 15, 2019
By:

Lifelong DeKalb County resident, Tom Duggin, has announced his intentions to seek the Democratic nomination for the office of Property Assessor in the March 3, 2020, Democratic Primary. Duggin picked up an application from the Election Commission Office Tuesday afternoon, October 15.

A native of Dowelltown, Duggin is the son of Tommy and Dorothy Duggin. He has two sisters, Kathy Malone of Dowelltown and Lisa Crary of Denver, Colorado, and one brother, Jack Walker of Denver. He is engaged to Lisa Santiago, formerly of Bruceton, Tennessee.

A 1993 graduate of DeKalb County High School, Duggin has spent most of his professional career working in local media. He served as an on-air personality, Program and Sports Director for WJLE Radio from 1992-2009. Duggin also worked as Sports Editor for the Smithville Review from 2005-09. In 2009, he was promoted to General Manager and Editor of the Review. He later worked as Publisher and Editor for the DeKalbCounty Times newspaper before going to work for DTC Communications full time in 2012. Duggin currently serves as a Video Production and Public Relations Specialist for the local telephone cooperative, while also serving as the play-by-play voice for football and basketball telecasts on DTC Sports.

“I have always taken a great deal of pride in serving my county,” said Duggin. “When this opportunity presented itself, I spent many, many hours talking to friends, family and most importantly, God, before I made my decision. I wanted to feel that I was making a 100-percent right decision to seek this office. My goal has always been to serve the people in DeKalb County to the best of my ability. I am proud to call DeKalb County home and have done so my entire life. Regardless of the outcome of next year’s election, I will always give my heart and soul to the people of this great county.”

While having never sought a county office, Duggin is not a complete stranger to public office. He served as a city councilman for one term in the town of Dowelltown, back in the mid-2000s. He became the third generation of his family to serve in that capacity.

“I was always taught that serving your community was extremely important,” Duggin said. “Whether you are a public official or just part of your community, I’ve always believed it’s important to help, any time you can.”

“If I am elected, I plan to hit the groud running on Day One, and I want anyone who has any questions or concerns to contact me. My door and my phone will always be available to anyone who wants to talk to me.”

October 14, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

A 10 year old Smithville boy with a desire to be a dirt bike racing champion has made his wish come true.

Jacob Stewart won the 2019 Kentucky State Motocross Championship in the 65 cc class Sunday beating out over 80 of the fastest bikers in the country on his 2019 Husqvarna 65 as part of the two day Kentuckiana MX Championship series held at Echo Valley MX Park in Sebree, Kentucky.

Stewart qualified for the race’s main event by placing 2^nd in the preliminaries on Saturday and he won Sunday’s race to take the overall championship in his class.

“Jacob has competed in an American Motocross Association (AMA) race for the last four years always hoping to bring home a state and national championship and he finally got it done this time,” said his proud father D.J. Stewart