Payne Denman wins Tennessee State Amateur Golf Championship for 2nd straight year
by: Dwayne PageJun 29, 2025
Payne Denman is the first REPEAT champion at the Tennessee State Amateur since George Creagh in 1976-77!
A come-from-behind win which included 4 birdies in the final 5 holes for the win earns him a spot in the upper echelons of Tennessee Golf history!
The UT assistant golf coach and Smithville native who won last year’s event at the Tennessee National Golf Club, trailed Clarksville’s Patton Samuels by a stroke heading to the 18th and final hole at Holston Hills Country Club.
After his drive landed in the rough, Samuels found himself in more trouble in some even taller greenside fescue. His third shot would race through the green and onto the backside rough.
Samuels would then run his lengthy par putt past the hole opening the door for Denman, who nestled his birdie chip to within a couple feet. He’d calmly sink the short birdie putt to capture the 2025 championship.
DeKalb County has new Clerk and Master
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
DeKalb County has a new Clerk and Master
During a brief ceremony Friday afternoon, Chancellor Ronald Thurman administered the oath of office to Nicole Wright who will assume her first day duties as Clerk and Master for the Chancery Court on Monday, June 30. Wright’s family stood beside her as she was sworn into office
It was a double ceremony of sorts in that longtime Clerk and Master Debra Malone was treated to a retirement reception with refreshments. The event was held in the Chancery courtroom of the courthouse.
Family, friends, deputy clerks, fellow county officials, and attorneys joined in the celebration to congratulate both Wright on her appointment and Malone on her retirement.
Wright was appointed by Chancellor Thurman to a six year term as Clerk and Master.
Twenty-Five Featured in DeKalb Fair Toddler Show
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
Twenty five toddlers from 13 to 47 months old were featured in the annual Toddler Show held Friday evening at the DeKalb County Fair.
The winners (blue ribbon first place and red ribbon runner-up) are as follows:
*Twins (13 to 47 months)
Winners: Mariella Louise and Lorelai Renea Dyer, 29 month old children of Brandon and Mandy Dyer of Liberty.
*Boys (13-18 months)
Winner: Walker Phoenix White, 13 month old son of Phillip and Brittany White of Liberty.
Runner-up: Jagger Davis, 13 month old son of Tyler and Taylor Davis of Alexandria. Other participant: Huntley Daniels Wolford, 13 month old son of Taylor and Joshua Wolford of Liberty.
*Girls (13-18 months)
Winner: Charlotte Cay Koelle, 13 month-old daughter of Christian and Heather Koelle of Smithville.
Runner-up: Nelly Jean Brannett, 18-month-old daughter of Brandon Brannett and Johnna Roller of Smithville. Other participants: Ettalynn Rankhorn, 14-month-old daughter of Jacob and Ashley Rankhorn of DeKalb County and Emerson Farris, 18-month-old daughter of Madison Gossard and Bryson Farris of Smithville.
*Boy (19-24 months)
Winner: Carter Knox Hale, 24 month old son of Jacob and Jennifer Hale of Smithville.
*Girls (19-24 months)
Winner: Katlyn Gibbs, 19 month old daughter of Jana Gibbs of DeKalb County.
Runner-up: Aniyah Banks, 21 month old daughter of Mackenzie Castorena and Carlos Banks of Smithville. Others participants: Augusta Lee Hendrix, 20 month old daughter of Abby Hendrix of Smithville; Lillie Mae Dyer, 22 month old daughter of Brandon and Mandee Dyer of Liberty; and Haisley Reign Preston, 22 month old daughter of Christal and Robert Preston.
*Boy (25-30 months)
Winner: Paxton Lee Dawson, 27 month old son of David and Pamela Dawson of Smithville.
*Girls (25-30 months)
Winner: Parker Kayte Harvey, 30 month old daughter of Chad and Kayla Harvey of Liberty.
Runner-up: Indy Hart Williams, 28 month old daughter of Brian and Stephanie Williams of Smithville. Other participants: Corie Rae Smith, 29 month old daughter of Jesse and Chloe Smith of Smithville; and Raelynn Rose Goodwin, 25 month old daughter of Dakota and Kyra Goodwin of Alexandria.
*Boy (31-36 months)
Winner: Jonathan James Griffin, 31 month old son of Luke and Casey Griffin of Alexandria.
*Boy (37-47 months)
Winner: Bentley Farris, 42 month old son of Madison Gossard and Bryson Farris of Smithville
*Girls (37-47 months)
Winner: Elsie Pearl Paschal, 45 month old daughter of Justin and Makagan Paschal of Alexandria
Runner-up: Maelei Gail Dawson, 45 month old daughter of David and Pamela Dawson of Smithville. Other participant: Davina Skye Baldwin, 40 month old daughter of Jessica Ray and Aulbry Baldwin of Alexandria.
DeKalb County Fair Events Tonight (Saturday, June 28)
Lions Club Pavilion:
6:00-7:00 pm Smithville Select, Caney Fork Circle Eight, DeKalb Dancing Delights & Center Hill Hoedown square dancers
7:00-9:30 pm Zone Status
9:30 pm Cash Drawings (Total of $2,500 to be given away ($250 each in 10 drawings)
TC McMillen Arena and Ag Center
6:00 p.m. Homemade Ice Cream Contest- Ag Center
7:00 Demolition Derby-TC McMillen Arena
Kenneth Sandlin Center- Live Demonstrations
Cake Decorating by Katrina Collier
6:00 p.m.
For information visit https://www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com/