Project Welcome Mat Encourages Businesses to Greet Fiddlers Jamboree Visitors

June 14, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

The 50th annual Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival is coming Friday and Saturday, July 2 & 3 and the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce invites all county businesses to again use their changeable signs or marquees to post welcome greetings for our Jamboree visitors.

“This marks the 20th year for the Chamber of Commerce “Jamboree Project Welcome Mat” for the 50th Annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival. Businesses having changeable signs or marquees are asked to post welcome greetings for our Jamboree visitors. The wording may be only a simple “Welcome to the Jamboree” or as elaborate as you choose. Chamber Director Suzanne Williams says, “With thousands of visitors coming into town for our special 50th celebration, every effort should be made by the local merchants to show our guests that we appreciate them and welcome their business. Let’s keep on showing folks how friendly the DeKalb County / Smithville area can be!”

All businesses may participate in “Project Welcome Mat.” There will be recognition awards in 4 categories: “Best Worded,” “Most Original,” “Most Creative,” and the “People’s Choice Award.”
Plaques will be presented to winners along with media recognition. If your business would like to participate in the contest, email the Chamber at swilliams@dekalbcountychamber.org, call 615-597-4163, or text 615-464-7760. Wording should be in place no later than Thursday, June 17th at 2 PM.

June 14, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Ten employees of the DeKalb County School System have announced their retirement or resignation.

During Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting, Director of Schools Patrick Cripps announced the following retirements or resignations:

Nadina Martel, Teacher at DeKalb West School

Robbie Joan Frazier, Educational Assistant at DeKalb West School

Andrew Dixon, Teacher at DCHS

David Gash, Assistant Principal at DCHS

Randy Jennings, Principal at DCHS

Rhonda Pelham, Secretary at Smithville Elementary School

Mary Sanders, Educational Assistant at DeKalb Middle School

Kristen Malone, Teacher at Smithville Elementary School

LeeAnne Frasier, Educational Assistant at Smithville Elementary and Northside Elementary Schools

Gates Craighead, Teacher at Northside Elementary and Smithville Elementary Schools.

Meanwhile, Jessica Prichard has been granted a leave of absence as requested.

“To those who have retired I appreciate everything you have done for the DeKalb County School System, our kids, and the community and for all the time you have spent and dedication given. I just want to say thank you,” said Director Cripps.

June 12, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

“Bailey” is getting a lot of care and attention at the DeKalb Animal Shelter but what she really needs is a forever home!

This loveable one and a half year old Healer mix is the WJLE/DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pet of the Week”

“Bailey was found as a stray just roaming around. Some really nice people brought her in and we have had her spayed and micro-chipped. Bailey has been heart wormed, screened, and she is up to date on all her vaccinations. Bailey is great with people especially small kids but she is a little dominant when it comes to dogs. If you are interested in adopting her we ask you bring any other dogs you have just to see how they interact. Although she likes to be number one and in charge, Bailey is a sweet girl and really well behaved. She knows some tricks now and is very trainable. An all around very loveable good girl,” said Shelter employee Emmaly Bennett.

“If you are interested go to our website at https://www.dekalbanimalshelter.com/ and look for Bailey under the adoptable pet tab. Fill out that application and we will call you for an appointment to come in and meet her,” said Bennett.

For more information phone 615-597-3647.