Local Teen to Audition for “American Idol” (View Videos Here)

July 14, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Caleb Wood may be a teenager from a small town but he is hoping his big voice will land him a spot on “American Idol.”

Caleb, the 16 year old son of Eric and Abigail Wood of the Blue Springs Community in DeKalb County, will be auditioning for the popular program in Knoxville on August 29.

Button Willow General Store downtown Smithville, where Caleb often performs, will be hosting a kick-off event for him on August 16 from 7-9 p.m. and he will be singing some original and cover songs. The public is invited to attend.

caleb wood from dwayne page on Vimeo.

Wood is originally from Warren County and he still attends Warren County High School but his family moved to Blue Springs about a year ago.

Caleb, who will be a Junior this fall, said he has always enjoyed singing.

“I grew up singing around the house but in eighth grade I learned how to play the guitar. My science teacher taught me and my best friend how to play. Ever since then I have loved music and play music about every day,” he said.

“My tenth grade year I made the high school choir and the teacher, Kennette Dixon, really taught me how to use and be more powerful with my voice. She really helped me out a lot,” Caleb continued.

Wood, a solo artist, loves rock and country music and writes some of his own material. He describes himself as a “Chris Stapleton” or “Lynyrd Skynyrd” type when it comes to his sound.

His performances were mostly at school-related events until he got the attention of the owners of Button Willow.

“I had done a couple of talent shows and played at a special needs pageant in Warren County and then one day my mom was there (Button Willow) shopping and she found out that people perform down there. We played for them and they liked me so we started playing there,” said Caleb.

Wood said he is excited to be auditioning for “American Idol” and hopes to one day become a star.

“I am going to Knoxville to audition on August 29 and if I make it past the first round they will fly me out to Los Angeles. My dream is to get as far as I can and share my music with the world,” added Caleb.

July 13, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Democratic Party will host a Potluck Dinner on Monday August 12th at 6:00 pm at the DeKalb County High School Cafeteria.

Guest speakers will include: House Democratic Leader Karen Camper (D-Memphis), and U.S. Senate candidate James Mackler. Music will be provided by Charles and Bonnie Collier.

Enjoy food, fun, and music. If you have a special dish feel free to share. Donations will be accepted at the event.

July 12, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Any parent interested in applying for the Pre K program for their child may pick up an application at the DeKalb County Board of Education central office (Ernest Ray Education Center) downtown.

Children need to be 4 years old on or before August 15 to qualify

Parents/Guardians should bring the following items for their child:
*Original Birth Certificate
*Current Physical Examination
*Current Certification of Immunization
*Proof of Income for all Household Members
*Proof of Residency

The DeKalb County School System has been awarded a grant from the Tennessee Department of Education to fund five voluntary Pre-K classes to serve up to 100 students for another year.

“We are excited to receive this news”, said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps. “With the funding, the school system will continue to offer four Pre-K classes at Smithville Elementary and one class at DeKalb West School,” he said.

Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn announced in May that 18,560 students in 928 classrooms across Tennessee will benefit from the Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) program in the 2019-20 school year. 138 districts applied for and received VPK funding through the competitive grant designed to serve 4-year-old students who are at-risk and students in high-priority communities. Sixty-eight of these 138 districts are rural.