News

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, a beloved annual tradition celebrating the rich heritage of Appalachian music and dance, is thrilled to announce the addition of new categories for the 2025 festival. This year, the Jamboree will feature the highly anticipated National Clogging and Hoedown Championships (NCHC) categories, bringing even more excitement and diversity to the event.

The new NCHC clogging categories include:
1. **Traditional Line Dance** –
2. **Traditional Duo Dance**
3. **Precision Team** –
4. **Hoedown Team** –

These categories will highlight the incredible talent and versatility of clogging teams from across the
country, adding a dynamic element to the Jamboree’s already vibrant lineup of competitions.

“We are excited to introduce these new categories and welcome clogging teams from all over to compete in the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree,” said Kim Luton, President of the Smithville Jamboree. “Clogging is a vital part of our cultural heritage, and we look forward to celebrating this lively and energetic dance form with our audience.”

“The Jamboree is now an official partner with National Clogging Organization (C.L.O.G) and the National Clogging and Hoedown Council (N.C.H.C.)” said Tammy Judkins, Dance Coordinator. “This does not impact our other dance competitions at all. We will continue to provide competitions in categories such as buck dancing and flatfoot.”

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree will take place on July 4-5, 2025, in downtown Smithville, Tennessee. In addition to the new clogging categories, the festival will feature traditional music and dance competitions, craft vendors, food booths, and family-friendly activities.

For more information about the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and rules for the new clogging categories, please visit smithvillejamboree.com, or email smithvillejamboree.com. The office phone number is number is 615-597-8500.

About the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree:

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree is an annual festival held in Smithville, Tennessee, celebrating the rich traditions of Appalachian music and dance. Since its inception in 1972, the Jamboree has grown to become one of the premier events of its kind, attracting participants and spectators from across the country. The festival features a wide range of competitions, including fiddling, banjo playing, buck dancing, and more, as well as craft vendors, food booths, and family-friendly activities.

Six people want to succeed Susannah Cripps on the DeKalb County Commission from the third district and they made their intentions known during Thursday night’s committee of the whole commission meeting.

Cripps announced her resignation from the commission last month. Her term expires on August 31, 2026.

The commission is expected to name Cripps’ successor Monday night, January 27 to finish out her unexpired term. That meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the county complex.

Those who announced their intentions Thursday night were Brandon Donnell, Eden Nokes, Johnny Croom, Tim Perricone, Stuart Colwell, and Len Dickens.

The following are the remarks made by each to the commission Thursday night:

Brandon Donnell– “I am a Christian and attend the Smithville First Freewill Baptist Church. I align myself with conservative values. I am a Republican and a lifelong resident of DeKalb County. I graduated high school here in 2005. I currently work at the Smithville Police Department as a detective. I have been with the department for 14 years. Before that I worked at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department for a little over four years. I started working there when I was 19 years old. I have been serving the people of DeKalb County pretty much all of my adult life. My wife is Kaylah. We have been married over 18 years. She is an assistant manager at Wilson Bank & Trust in Smithville. She has worked there over 18 years. I have two children. My son Carson graduated high school last year. He is now a student at Tennessee Tech. My youngest son Collin is an eighth grader at DeKalb Middle School. My whole family lives here. I am going to retire here. I care deeply about this county. I want this county to thrive. I want my kids to graduate here, go off to college and get a good education, come back, start their families here, raise their kids here and be proud of DeKalb County just like I am. I don’t know everything there is to know about all the issues this county is facing but that’s the reason why I would like to serve, to learn more and do more for the betterment of this county”.

Eden Nokes- “I was born and raised here. I graduated from DCHS in 2007. I was involved in FCCLA in school and that got me familiar with how you run meetings. After I graduated high school, I went onto college to major in education which I quickly changed my mind after I got a job in education. That is not where I was supposed to be at. I worked at Smithville Elementary School for seven years. I also worked at dispatch for a very short time. I now work at Bell Street Apartments. I am the manager. I did maintenance for 11 years before I became the manager. My whole family is from here. The last seven years I have been less active in the community helping take care of some sick family members. I am ready to get back In. I think what Susannah started was great. I called a few people in my district and asked what they thought about it and they said go for it. I think I would be a great asset”.

Johnny Croom- “I didn’t grow up here. I grew up in west Tennessee. I was involved in county business there. I obtained a community development block grant for a manufacturing facility along with an economic development administration, so I have been involved in both state and federal government in grant procurement. My background my adult life has been in the insurance business, property, casualty, liability claims business. We handle claims. That’s what my company does. I have children and grandchildren who are in the school system here. I feel like our county is growing. I have been here 10 plus years, and I have seen our county grow and change. How I even knew about DeKalb County is I came up and wrote insurance for the ambulance service, schools, the old shirt factory. We installed what is called a section 125 plan. What that did was take a portion of insurance premiums that an employee would pay from a post-tax situation to a pre-tax situation. It would increase their take home pay every pay period. That’s how I got familiar with DeKalb County. I fell in love with the county and moved here. That was in the late 80s, and I have been here ever since. I put down roots here and my son lives next to me. I feel like my experience in the insurance business and my experience with the state and federal agencies regarding grants and economic and community development would make me an asset to the county commission. The decisions we make today are going to affect this county 20 years from now. I think we need to have a body of people who can discuss the issues, be transparent, and then use common sense to come to an agreement”.

Tim Perricone- “I would really like to have the opportunity to serve on the county commission. The way I look at public service is going from being a citizen to serving citizens. I look at it as an opportunity to give back. I’m not quite a lifelong resident here but I went to kindergarten here. I finished up high school in Florida and college in California but then I moved back here around 1991. I was married and raised three children here. One of my children went to the army and another to the marines but they came back. I still have one in college at Murfreesboro. My middle son just graduated college at Tennessee Tech as an engineer. During the last election for the county commissioner spot, I ran against Tony Luna and Ms. Cripps. It was actually a close race. She had six votes more than me and I think Tony had like 20 something more votes than me. Being that I ran in the election, I would like the opportunity to serve”.

Stuart Colwell- “I was born and raised in DeKalb County. I am a 1993 graduate of DCHS. I started my law enforcement career in 1996, and I have stayed in law enforcement full time since then. I am also an honorary lifetime member of the DeKalb County Fire Department. I have a master’s degree in criminal justice. I know the issues the county is currently facing. I have no desire to run for political office. I would only be interested in serving for the rest of this appointment because I think the people of the third district should pick who they want to serve from there. Currently I manage a state park. I have overseen a capital project of $12.6 million with an annual operating budget of $2.2 million. There’s a lot of things on the commission’s agenda that are controversial and divisive in our community but because I am not seeking to run for office, I don’t mind opening my heart the way I see it to what is best for the county as a whole”.

Len Dickens- “I have lived in DeKalb County all my life. I started my work career here at Tenneco for 22 years. I moved on to bigger and better things at Nissan. I currently work for Bonnell Aluminum at Carthage as a maintenance planner. In that role I develop job plans and job scopes for maintenance technicians across the building to do different kinds of jobs. I deal with job budgets for all kinds of work that needs to be done. My wife and I have six children and eleven grandchildren. I believe that before you start any job you should have a good plan to lead you in the right direction to get the goal accomplished. I want to see DeKalb County progress a little more in industry. I think more industry here would help but at the same time I would like to see Smithville keep to its small-town roots”.

More arrests have been made stemming from two separate recent incidents of drug smuggling into the jail.

25-year-old Robert Stephen Ryan Derrick, 23-year-old Christopher Edward Spoon, Jr. , 45-year-old Sherry Kay Barnes, 36-year-old Anthony Wayne Tramel, and 39-year-old Eric Wayne Tramel are each charged with bringing contraband into a penal institution. Each is under a $10,000 bond and will make a court appearance on January 30.

According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, Derrick and Spoon, both inmates at the jail, conspired to have 37-year-old Landon Craig Wyatt, Jr. smuggle into the jail buprenorphine strips hidden in the waistband of a pair of thermals. The inmates made arrangements by phone and Wyatt was caught and arrested bringing in the drugs on December 31.

Meanwhile, another inmate, Eric Wayne Tramel conspired with Barnes and Anthony Wayne Tramel by phone to have 37-year-old Caitlin Lynn Clouse smuggle into the jail a coffee pot containing 78 grams of marijuana mixed with tobacco. Clouse was caught and arrested on January 4.

Sheriff Ray described the charges in each specific case.

*“On December 31 Derrick participated in a crime by concealing Buprenorphine strips in the waistband of a pair of white thermals for another inmate. He placed a visit phone call to arrange this transaction”.

*” On December 31 Spoon participated in the introduction of Buprenorphine strips into the jail by concealing them in the waistband of a pair of white thermals for another inmate. Spoon placed a visit phone call to arrange this”.

• “On January 4 Barnes participated in the introduction of a coffee pot into the jail which held 78 grams of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana and a brown substance thought to be tobacco. Barnes agreed to pick up and transport the coffee pot to an inmate at the jail so she could “put it together”. It was later actually brought to the jail by someone else”

*” On January 4 Anthony Wayne Tramel participated in the introduction of a coffee pot into the jail that held 78 grams of a green leafy substance believed to be methamphetamine and a brown substance thought to be tobacco by agreeing to put it together so it could be taken to the jail”.

*” On January 4 Eric Wayne Tramel participated in the introduction of a coffee pot into the jail by concealing inside of it 78 grams of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, and a brown substance thought to be tobacco. Tramel placed a phone visit call to arrange this”.

In other cases, 58-year-old Peter David Bohannon, Jr. of Gard Lane, Smithville is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver and driving on a suspended license. His bond is $12,500 and he will be in court February 6.

Sheriff Ray said that on Wednesday, January 15 a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a blue Dodge Ram due to failure to maintain lane of travel and spoke with the driver, Bohannon. The officer asked Bohannon to step out of the vehicle and during a pat down search, the deputy found a clear baggie and a pink baggie which held a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine which weighed a total of 1.1 grams. A background check revealed that Bohannon’s license was suspended for failure to appear in September 2024.

24-year-old Cory Michael Maes of Monterey is charged with driving under the influence. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court February 6.

Sheriff Ray said that on January 19 at 2:55 a.m. a deputy was enroute to a call at the Gentleman’s Club due to a verbal altercation. Upon arrival the officer learned that the suspect had left the club in a gold Mercury on Sparta Highway. The deputy spotted the vehicle, pulled it over, and spoke with the driver, Maes who smelled of alcohol. Maes’ speech was slurred, and his eyes were dilated and glossy. Maes stepped out of the automobile but refused to submit to field sobriety tasks.

26-year-old Dakoda Lane Vance of Cookeville Highway, Smithville is charged with violation of bond conditions. His bond is $5,000 and he will be in court January 16.

Sheriff Ray said that on January 11 at around 7 p.m. Vance, an inmate at the jail, made a phone call to a victim of an active bond condition that stemmed from an arrest over a domestic assault case in which Vance had been the perpetrator.

Less than two weeks after the body of 31-year-old Brittany Ann Miller was found, investigators have now officially ruled her death a homicide.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said Tuesday afternoon, January 21 in a brief statement that the autopsy performed by the state medical examiner has confirmed Miller’s death to be a homicide. The cause of death has still not been disclosed.

The murder case is being investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

“We want to thank everyone for all of the news tips and support given over the last two weeks since the discovery of Brittany’s body. We want anybody who has any information who has not reached out to call 1-800-TBI-FIND or emailTipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov”,” said Sheriff Ray.

Meanwhile, Miller’s memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, January 25 according to the obituary as follows:

On Saturday, January 14, 2025, it was discovered that Brittany Ann Brock Miller of 860 Hurricane Ridge Road, Smithville, Tennessee, was no longer with us.

Brittany was born on October 15, 1990, in DeKalb County to her parents Bridget Annette Green Brock and Rodna Wayne Brock, Sr. Her father predeceased her.

Most importantly, Brittany was a Christian and a faithful member of the Indian Creek Memorial Baptist Church. She was always willing to help with things that needed to be done. She was a very kind-hearted person. Brittany was a wonderful mother, who went to great lengths to see that the girls were cared for. She loved to play with them, go swimming, go to the park, do crafts, work in the garden, flowers and yard. They were the love of her life.

She cared for her household by helping tend a garden and then harvesting it and preserving the fruits of her labor. She loved to share with others. There was not a lazy bone in her body. She would don work clothes and go mow yards. She worked at various jobs to bring money into the household.

She was last employed part time with Walmart. Brittany was very close to her mother and talked to her or visited every day. Since she was oldest child, her brothers loved her very much and looked up to her.

With a hole in their hearts, she leaves to mourn her passing her daughters, Samantha Willow Miller and Chloe Mae Miller; her mother, Bridget Ann Green Brock; brothers, Rodna Wayne (Susan) Brock, Jr., and Tyler DeWayne Brock, all of Smithville, Tennessee; aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.

Brittany claimed these comforting words from Job when he had lost everything: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Job 19:25-26

A Memorial service celebrating Brittany’s life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Indian Creek Memorial Baptist Church, 967 Hurricane Ridge Road, Smithville, Tennessee. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:30 p.m. and extend until time for the service at 2:00 p.m.

The family thanks Love-Cantrell Funeral Home for their loving and gracious assistance.

DeKalb County High School is proud to announce the donation of a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder to its maintenance and light repair automotive technology Program, courtesy of Nissan. The vehicle will serve as a valuable training resource, enhancing students’ hands-on learning experience and preparing them for careers in the automotive industry.

“We appreciate this donation from Nissan to help us provide students with hands-on learning opportunities,” said DCHS CTE Director Brad Leach. “We can’t wait to see the incredible things students in our automotive program will achieve. From classrooms to careers, we’re excited to be a part of these student’s journeys,” he said.

Michael Whitefield is the class instructor at DCHS.

“These vehicles will be used for high school students to learn some of the latest technology for their automotive services program so they can disassemble the brake assembly, tires, wheels, engine components, interior components, and pretty much use them as they wish for training or automotive services programs,” said Jason Stanley, Senior Manager for Nissan’s manufacturing workforce development in a phone interview with WJLE.

“It’s to introduce students to the latest types of vehicle technology, power train, and things of that nature to help them grow and learn for a potential career field if that’s a job or career opportunity they want to pursue after high school,” Stanley explained.

“These vehicles can only be used for automotive services type programs for disassembly repair. They are not eligible to be registered and driven on the streets,” he added.

“We work with our philanthropy division at Nissan on how to donate these vehicles to technical schools and high schools to support automotive services programs,” said Stanley. “This past year we had quite a few vehicles become available. We look at our current employee base, where our employees live, and try to connect with the schools in those areas. Working through TCAT McMinnville they helped us reach out to Brad Leach at DeKalb County High School who worked with our philanthropy team and secured the donation which we were able to make last Friday,” said Stanley.

“We are proud to be able to support our local high schools and the students. Obviously with Nissan being in the middle Tennessee area its always good to see people interested in the automotive environment. Not just from the manufacturing standpoint but from a dealer services viewpoint as well,” Stanley said. “We are proud to be able to support programs like this and help these students get some experience and exposure on new equipment and hopefully lead them to a career of their choice”.

Donny Green, County Executive Director of the DeKalb-Cannon County Farm Service Agency (FSA), says the 2024 DeKalb-Cannon FSA County Committee election results have been approved by the Tennessee FSA State Committee.

For Local Administrative Area (LAA) # 1, Jimmy Womack was elected to serve as Committee Member. Danny Pirtle was elected to serve as 1st Alternate.

For Local Administrative Area (LAA) # 5, Clark Hollis was elected to serve as Committee Member. Brittany Duggin was elected to serve as 1st Alternate.

Elected members began their terms on January 1, 2025.

Robert “Bob” Melton was honored for his service to the Farm Service Agency as a county committee member for 9 years of consecutive service. Mr. Melton’s contributions to the DeKalb and Cannon County agricultural community are unparalleled, and his influences and leadership will benefit many generations to come.

The DeKalb-Cannon FSA County Committee met on January 14, 2025 to conduct its Organizational Meeting. For 2025, the Committee selected Terry Young as the Chairperson, and Jimmy Womack as the Vice-Chairperson. Grant Williams, Bart Lay, and Clark Hollis will serve as members of the Committee. Mary Sanders serves as the Committee Advisor.

The Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at the DeKalb-Cannon County USDA Service Center located at 647 Bright Hill Rd.

Green says that the DeKalb-Cannon FSA County Committee and office staff wish to express their appreciation to voters in LAA # 1 and LAA # 5 who participated in the election by voting and returning their ballots. “The local County Committees are a very important part of Farm Service Agency’s program delivery and administrative processes,” added Green.

For more information about FSA’s County Committees or other program inquiries, call 597-8225 (extension 2) or come by the DeKalb-Cannon County Farm Service Agency office at 647 Bright Hill Street in Smithville. You can also visit the agency’s web site at: www.fsa.usda.gov.