Keara McKinsey Milligan Crowned Miss Sweetheart (View Video Here)

July 18, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Keara McKinsey Milligan of Smithville won the Miss Sweetheart pageant Wednesday night at the DeKalb County Fair. She is the 12 year old daughter of Josh and Cyndi Milligan.

(View Photo Gallery of the DeKalb County Fair by clicking link below)

2019 Photo Gallery

Milligan, who also received the Most Photogenic honor, succeeds the 2018 Miss Sweetheart Addison Isabella Kyle of Smithville, the 12 year old daughter of Jamie Kyle and Cory and Kim Crabtree.

The pageant featured 8 girls ages 10-12.

Eleven year old Bailey Elizabeth Kidd, daughter of Kelli Bess and Brandon Kidd of Smithville was first runner-up in the pageant.

Madison Brooke Dawson was second runner-up. She is the 12 year old daughter of Jarred and Jamie Dawson of Smithville.

Third runner-up was 11 year old Averie Nicole McMinn, daughter of Nathan and Amanda McMinn of Smithville. She was also named Miss Congeniality.

Danica Hope Collier was fourth runner-up. She is the 11 year old daughter of Matthew Collier of Alexandria and Britany George of Sparta.

The remaining contestants in the pageant were Autumn Grace Dies, 11 year old daughter of Keith and Amanda Dies of Alexandria; Hailee Ann Marie Merriman, 11 year old daughter of Jake and Joyce Merriman of Smithville; and Kaylyn Isabelle Prichard, 10 year old daughter of Andy and Chrissy Prichard of Liberty.

2019 Photo Gallery

July 18, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The 2019 Miss Princess of the DeKalb County Fair is Khloe Grandstaff, the 9 year old daughter of Tyler and Shawna Grandstaff of Smithville.

(View Photo Gallery of the DeKalb County Fair by clicking link below)

2019 Photo Gallery

Grandstaff was among a dozen contestants ages 7-9 who competed for the title Wednesday night at the DeKalb County Fair. She also received the Most Photogenic honor.

Khloe succeeds the 2018 Miss Princess Lakelyn Brooke Nelson, the 8 year old daughter of Dustin and Kristian Nelson of Smithville.

Seven year old Destiny Keys of Smithville was first runner-up in the pageant. She is the daughter of Ricky and Kendra Guinn.

Second runner-up was Ezalee Moore, the 8 year old daughter of Andrew and Ali Moore of Smithville.

Baylei Anne Benson, the 8 year old daughter of Karey Washer and Christopher Benson of Smithville was third runner-up. She was also named Miss Congeniality.

Lyra Dell McMinn was fourth runner-up. She is the 7 year old daughter of Nathan and Amanda McMinn of Smithville.

Others in the top 7 were Karah Jo Ford, the 9 year old daughter of Amanda Ford and Hector O-Roscoe of Smithville and Charley Loren Prichard, the 7 year old daughter of Andy and Chrissy Prichard of Liberty.

The remaining contestants in the pageant were Abigail Yost, 8 year old daughter of Michael and Katrina Yost of Smithville; Kenli Faith Fish, 8 year old daughter of Tiffany Pedigo and Dakota Davidson of Smithville; Hannah Lynnlee Hubner, 7 year old daughter of Amanda Hutchinson and Charlie Hubner of Alexandria; Annabelle Paige Merriman, 8 year old daughter of Jake and Joyce Merriman of Smithville; and Brileigh Nicole Bullard, 9 year old daughter of Nikki and Jimmy Martin and Riley Bullard of Smithville.

July 17, 2019
By:

DeKalb County has reached a population milestone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county’s estimated population as of July 1, 2018 was 20,138, or 1,142 more persons than recorded on the official 2010 Census.

There were more deaths during the eight-year period (2,009) than births (1,830) but the net migration of 1,605 persons played a role in the overall increase in population. Net migration is the number of persons entering the county versus the number of persons leaving the county in a particular time period.

The median age of the county was 42.6 years of age in 2018 compared to 41 in 2010.

On a very broad scale, the largest population segment was those between the ages of 15-44 at 7,102, a gain of 287 persons over the period. But when narrowing the scope, the largest population was in the 45-64 range at 5,746. Other breakdowns are as follows: Under 5 years at 1,137; 5 to 13 years at 2,208; 14 to 17 years at 1,006; 18 to 24 years at 1,480; 25-44 years of age at 4,862; 65 years and over at 3,699; and the report showed the county had a population of 345 persons age 85 and over. (see statistical pdf)

2018 population count

The county’s male and female population was roughly even with 10,061 males and 10,077 females. However, the median female age was 44.1 while the county’s median male age was 40.6.

The U.S. Census Bureau is gearing up for the official 2020 Census. More information can be obtained at https://www.census.gov/