Advanced Master Beef Producer Planned

October 11, 2019
By:

DeKalb County Extension will again be offering the Advanced Master Beef Producer (AMBP) class this fall. This class fulfills the Master Certification requirement for 50% cost share in the Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program (TAEP) and your certification will be valid for three years.  This program is also an excellent opportunity for those that have an interest in learning more about beef cattle production.

The first class is the Upper Cumberland Bull Summit held in Cookeville, TN on Saturday, October 19^h at 9:00am. The second, third and fourth classes will be October 28^th, November 5^th, and November 12^th.  The fifth and final class will be the DeKalb County Cattlemen’s Association Meeting on Thursday, November 21^st.   All classes with the exception of the Bull Summit will be in the DeKalb Community Complex at 6:00pm.

Topics will include bull selection and management, bull evaluation and soundness, feeding strategies, forages, herd health, beef quality assurance, and fencing requirements. The topics will be covered by various Extension Specialists and Industry Experts from across the state.

The cost of the course will be $75.  If you do not have a BQA certification or yours has expired, that will also be offered on the night of Nov. 12 and does require an additional fee.

You can stop by the DeKalb County Extension office at 722 South Congress Blvd., Smithville to register.  Call Johnny Barnes or Tiffany Collier at 615-597-4945 or email me at jbarnes1@utk.edu for more information.

October 11, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

A Liberty man who threatened another with a hammer and used it to damage his car has been charged with aggravated assault and vandalism over $1,000.

56 year old Joseph Messercola is under a $10,000 bond and he will be in court October 17.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on October 1 Messercola entered a residence on Pumpkin Hollow Road and tried to assault another man with a hammer. He then took the hammer and broke the windows out of his victim’s 1999 Chevy Malibu causing $1,000 damage. Messercola admitted to the crime.

A man has returned to DeKalb County to face a charge filed against him seven years ago.

61 year old Robert Morris Turner of West Broad Street is charged with violation of the sex offender law. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court October 17.

Sheriff Ray said that on July 1, 2012 Turner failed to report to the sheriff’s department as directed on June 1, 2012. After the offense, Turner absconded and was later picked up  in another county for other offenses. He was released to DeKalb County authorities on October 2.

51 year old Amanda Kay Hamilton of Jacobs Pillar Road, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence. After being taken into custody she was caught bringing contraband into the jail. She was further cited for no insurance, violation of the implied consent law and due care. Her bond totals $12,500 and she will be in court October 17.

Sheriff Ray said that on October 3 a deputy was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash in which an automobile left the road and went into a ditch. Upon arrival he spoke to Hamilton, the driver of the automobile. She was unsteady on her feet and performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Hamilton refused to give implied consent and a search warrant was obtained for a blood sample from her. After being brought to the jail Hamilton was asked if she had any drugs on her and she replied “no”. During the booking process a correctional officer noticed Hamilton chewing on something and asked her to spit it out. It was found to be a small round yellow pill.

October 11, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Persons interested in running for Assessor of Property and Constable in the DeKalb County Democratic Primary in March may pick up a qualifying petition from the Election Commission Office starting Monday, October 14.

Local primaries will be held in conjunction with the Presidential Preference Primary on March 3.

“The DeKalb County Democratic Party will hold a primary for the office of Assessor of Property and Constable in all seven districts,” said Dennis Stanley, Administrator of Elections. “The Republican Party will select their nominees for those offices by caucus.” In addition, both local parties will hold a primary for the office of Criminal Court Judge Part II in the 13^th Judicial District.

“I understand it can be a little confusing to the voters and candidates,” Stanley said, “but in simple terms Democratic candidates for Assessor of Property, Constable and Circuit Court Judge must qualify by petition and they will be available beginning October 14. Republican candidates for Circuit Court Judge only must qualify by petition. The other offices are chosen by another party method.”

He also reminded potential Independent candidates that they must qualify by the petition process and can obtain a petition beginning at the same time, even though they would not appear on the ballot until August.

Here are the key dates for the March 3, 2020 election:

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First day to pick up petitions—October 14

Qualifying deadline—Noon December 12

Voter registration deadline—February 3, 2020

Early Voting period—Feb. 12 through February 25, 2020

The election office also reminds voters about the rules regarding Absentee voting.

To vote absentee by mail, the voter must make the request in writing and include their name (as registered), social security number, date of birth, residential address, mailing address (if different), the election(s) in which they wish to vote in and political preference if voting in a primary, the reason they are requesting to vote absentee and their signature.

“We will accept written requests for an absentee ballot by mail, fax or email beginning December 4 through February 25,” Stanley said. “All absentee ballots must be returned by mail.”

For more information about the upcoming election call the local election office at 615-597-4146 or log on to https://www.dekalbelections.com.

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