Industrial Hemp Meeting Scheduled.

December 4, 2018
By: Johnny Barnes, UT Extension Agent & DeKalb County Director

Anyone with an interest in growing industrial hemp in the upcoming year is encouraged to attend an informational meeting on December 17, at 6:00 PM, at the White County Fairgrounds.  DeKalb, White, and Van Buren Counties are working together to host the meeting.  If you are interested in growing for the year 2019, you must apply for a permit with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture by February 15.

Information shared at this meeting will aid you in steps needed to take if you are interested in becoming a producer.  As a reminder, University of Tennessee Extension provides programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development with University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating.  UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

University of Tennessee Specialist Eric Walker will be our primary speaker along with Katy Kilbourne, Industrial Hemp Program Coordinator for TDA, and some local growers from the area.  Topics will include regulations, varieties, production, and grower experiences.  The White County fairgrounds is located at 565 Hale Street Sparta, TN 38583.   If you have any questions please contact the Extension Office at 615-597-4945 or email jbarnes1@utk.edu.

December 3, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

National Beta is proud to announce DeKalb County High School as a 2018-2019 National School of Distinction. This award is an honor for Beta Chapters striving towards academic achievement, exemplary character, demonstrated leadership and service to others. With an ongoing quest to instill these qualities in more students, the National Beta School of Distinction Award is designed to award those schools that show an increase in membership for the current school year.

Award recipients received a National Beta School of Distinction banner to proudly display as a symbol of their accomplishment. In addition, National Beta School of Distinction recipients will be publicized at the 2019 National Beta Convention in Oklahoma City, OK this June.

“This prestigious honor is a true indication of DeKalb County High School’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership development and commitment to celebrating their student’s achievements,” said National Beta’s Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Hart.

About National Beta: National Beta is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. Since its beginnings in 1934, National Beta has been committed to providing students with a positive experience in a supportive manner in grades 4-12. The organization recognizes outstanding achievement, promotes character and social responsibility, encourages service involvement to school and community, and fosters leadership skills.

For more information about National Beta, visit betaclub.org

December 3, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

Opening night for DeKalb County’s first Festival of Trees was a huge success Monday evening as hundreds poured into the county complex to view the unveiling of the 39 uniquely decorated Christmas trees and to show support for DeKalb County Foster Children.

Patrons came bearing gifts which they placed under their favorite tree along Holly Hall, Candy Cane Lane, Cookies Café, and Stocking Theatre and the tree with the most gifts under it will be designated “Tree of the Year”.

Trees are also in the running for “Best Christmas Spirit”, “Most Unique”, “Best Overall Theme”, “Prettiest Tree”, “Most Touching Theme”, and “the tree I want in my living room” as voted on by visitors to the complex.

The trees will remain on display throughout the week and winners will be announced on Saturday.

“I had a goal of 21 trees but we wound up with 39. The community has really rallied around this and I couldn’t be more excited,” said Josh Isaac, Director of the County Complex.

All toys donated will go to the DeKalb Foster Care system.

“What a great way to give back and show kids that Christmas is all about giving,” said Issac.

Monday night’s event also featured FREE pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the North Pole Stage, refreshments in the Cookies Café, and the Christmas Shopping Court where more than 20 vendor booths displayed delightful Christmas gift ideas for sale.