Get this party started!
by: Dwayne PageJul 04, 2025
Get this party started!
The Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival begins today marking the 54th year for one of Tennessee’s most favorite summer events. Thousands are expected to brave the heat to take in all the sights and sounds of the music and dancing featured on stage as well as the shade tree picking around the courthouse lawn. For craft lovers, there will also be plenty to experience as streets surrounding the public square will be lined with booths displaying lots of handmade crafts. Of course, you won’t go hungry either as several food booths are set up on both the north and south sides of the square.
Today’s program kicks off at 9 a.m. and will continue non-stopuntil the winners in today’s categories are decided. The community chorus will be featured on stage during the festival’s welcoming ceremonies around 6 p.m. following remarks by local and state dignitaries.
WJLE AM 1480/FM 101.7 will have LIVE radio coverage from the stage all day today and Saturday starting at 9 a.m. and TV viewers can watch on several DTC platforms
For more about the Fiddlers’ Jamboree including the weekend events from the festival click the links below
http://smithvillejamboree.com/
http://smithvillejamboree.com/scheduleEvents.html
Woman killed in Boating Related Lake Accident
by: Dwayne PageJul 04, 2025
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers responded to a call on Center Hill Lake at 6:00 p.m. (CDT) Thursday evening, July 3, 2025. A 57-year-old Brentwood woman jumped into the water from a Monterey ski boat and was injured by the prop. The woman succumbed to her injuries and was transported to Ascension St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital.
The incident occurred near Hurricane Marina. DeKalb County Rescue, EMS, and Fire and Hurricane Marina staff also responded to the incident. The incident remains under investigation.
Meanwhile the DeKalb County Fire Department has issued the following statement about the accident:
The DeKalb County Fire Department, along with the Smithville/DeKalb County Rescue Squad, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, DeKalb County Emergency Medical Service, and DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, responded to a tragic single boat incident on Center Hill Lake near Hurricane Marina Thursday evening at approximately 5:58 p.m.
Emergency responders arrived and located the ski boat approximately 300 yards away from the marina near the main channel. An unconscious adult female victim was located in the water and under the boat trapped by the boat’s inboard engine propeller. The adult male operator of the boat was in the water at the rear of the boat attempting to rescue the victim. Rescue personnel were able to free the victim, but she had already succumbed to traumatic injury.
Emergency responders were assisted by staff from Hurricane Marina providing pontoon boats and traffic control. The Putnam County Rescue Squad responded with their Dive Team.
The incident is being investigated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The parties of those involved are from Brentwood, Tennessee and the names are not being released at this time. Please keep the family of the victim in your thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Jared Named New Alexandria City Attorney
by: Dwayne PageJul 03, 2025
The Town of Alexandria has a new attorney.
During Tuesday night’s special called meeting, the mayor and aldermen hired Jerry Jared of Jared & Jared Attorneys in Cookeville to be the city’s legal representative.
Jerry and his son Matthew attended Tuesday night’s meeting.
It’s the third change of attorneys since last November when longtime Alexandria City Attorney Vester Parsley resigned. He was later replaced by Attorney Matt Boss but he stepped down in March.
Mayor Jeff Ford described the duties of the city attorney in the town’s charter and the pay he is to receive.
“In our charter in SECTION 3.03 for Town Attorney. The Board shall appoint a Town Attorney, and such Assistant Town Attorneys as may be authorized by ordinance. The Town Attorney, or an Assistant Town Attorney designated by such Town Attorney, shall be responsible for representing and defending the town in all litigation in which the town is a party; attending all meetings of the Board; advising the Board, Mayor and other officers and employees of the town concerning legal aspects of their duties and responsibilities; approving as to form and legality all contracts, deeds, bonds, ordinances, resolutions, motions, and other official documents; and performing such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board,” said Mayor Ford.
“We offered Jerry the same rates as Matt Boss which was a retainer fee of $300 per month and an hourly rate of $200,” added Mayor Ford.
Jared was administered his oath of office by the city recorder Jessica Howard