DeKalb County’s 2024 Fairest of the Fair Allyson Roxanne Fuller participated in the Tennessee Association of Fairs state competition this past weekend along with 48 other young ladies. Though she did not bring home the crown, she represented DeKalb County with intelligence, beauty and grace. She will pass on her title and crown at this year’s DeKalb County Fair on June 23, 2025. Fuller is the 18 year-old daughter of Anthony and Amanda Fuller of Smithville.
Senior Jordan Parker was named Most Valuable Player of the 2024 DCHS Tiger Football Team during the annual Awards Banquet held Saturday night at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center building. Meanwhile, Caroline Crook and Madeline Martin, both seniors were co-winners of the Most Valuable Football Cheerleader Award. The trophies are sponsored by Liberty State Bank.
Meanwhile Senior Andrew Dakas was announced as the winner of the Coach Clay Edwards Memorial Tiger Pride Award. Members of Edwards’ family presented the award to Dakas including son Abram Edwards and Abram’s mother Tena Edwards-Jacobs along with Abram’s wife, Shannon and children Emmie Edwards, Carleigh Clay Edwards, and Harmony Edwards.
Seniors Andrew Dakas, Ty Webb, and Jordan Parker shared the title of Kings of the Field as Captains of the football team while Senior Annabella Dakas was named Queen of the Field as voted on by football players. Seniors Madeline Martin and Macy Anderson were equal Touchdown Royalty Court members.
MVP Parker, the Tiger signal caller, led his team to a 6-4 season in 2024.
Coach Steve Trapp, during the banquet, reviewed Parker’s high school football career and his accomplishments.
“As a junior Jordan was an All-Region player at wide receiver and won receiver of the year and then played at quarterback,” said Coach Trapp. ” But just some statistics as a runner, this year in 2024 he led our team with 1,055 yards. I believe he is only the third quarterback who has rushed for over 1,000 yards. He joins Steven Jennings and Axel Aldino in that regard. Jordan led our team in rushing and in rushing touchdowns with 14 this year and he passed for 1,236 yards and had 17 more touchdowns. For his career he had over 2,000 yards passing and 26 touchdowns. Defensively as a junior he started at safety and played some corner. This year he got a pick against Macon County. He has done a lot of different things so as a most valuable player this is an award he has definitely earned. Jordan is a 2024 team captain. A 2024 Region 4 Most Outstanding Quarterback, 2024 Farm Bureau Player of the Month, 2024 DTC All Star and DTC Player of the Game in 2024, Mr. DCHS in 2024-25, 2024 TSSAA Scholar Athlete, a 2023 team voted Receiver of the Year, 2023 All Region player, 2023 Scholar Athlete, 2022 team voted Offensive Back of the Year when he played quarterback those last nine games. All this is why Jordan deserves this award as the 2024 Liberty State Bank Most Valuable Player,” said Coach Trapp.
Six members of the DCHS Tiger Football Team earned Region 4 Superlative honors in 2024. Jordan Parker was named the Region’s Most Outstanding Quarterback while Jarett Hamilton was selected as the Region’s Most Outstanding Tight End. Meanwhile, Ty Webb and Ryan Lyons were selected to the 1st Team All Region while Jon Hendrix and Cecil Ketchum made the 2nd Team All Region.
Individual Football Player Awards are as follows:
Offensive Player of the Year- Ryan Lyons
Offensive Lineman- Kobe Roller
Offensive Back- Cecil Ketchum
Receiver- Jon Hendrix
Defensive Player of the Year- Ty Webb
Defensive Lineman- Jarett Hamilton
Linebacker- Isaac Hannah
Defensive Back- Jesse Foutch
Special Teams Player- Adrian Prater
Most Improved-Caydin Hecker
Liberty State Bank MVP- Jordan Parker
Coach Clay Edwards Memorial Tiger Pride Award-Andrew Dakas
Scout Team Player of the Year: Tucker Webb
Newcomer of the Year: JT Summers
Individual Cheer Awards are as follows:
Liberty State Bank Most Valuable Cheerleader-Caroline Crook and Madeline Martin
Most Spirited- Macy Anderson
Best Dancer- Annabella Dakas
Best Stunts- Deanna Agee
DEAR (Dedication, Enthusiasm, Attitude, and Responsibility- Caroline Crook, Madeline Martin, Macy Anderson, and Annabella Dakas,
Best Jumps-Landen Tubbs
Best Motions: Addyson Swisher and Annabella Dakas
Student Athlete Award of Merit 3.5 GPA or better (Many had a 4.0 GPA): Shelby Driver, Summer Garrett , Bryson Arnold, Blaine Atnip,, Hunter Ballew, Hunter Buchanan, Andrew Dakas, Jesse Foutch, Jarett Hamilton, Caydin Hecker, Jon Hendrix, Jaxson Kleparek,, Adrian Prater, Jordan Parker, Kobe Roller, Connor Talley, Aiden Turner, Tucker Webb, Ty Webb, Benjamin Crook, Jackson Lattimore, Hunter Locklear, Brayden Neal, and Dominic Williamson
The team GPA was 3.2.
DTC All-Star Team members from DeKalb County: Jordan Parker, Cecil Ketchum, Ryan Lyons, Jarett Hamilton, and Ty Webb.
Coach Trapp was presented a plaque by the DCHS Quarterback Club commemorating his 20th year as the Tiger Head Coach.
Tia Adcock, secretary of the quarterback club, made the presentation during the banquet.
“It takes a small village to make this whole program work,” said Adcock. “DeKalb County has one of the best football programs around and we work hard every year to provide more than just the basic necessities, but every team must have a leader and Coach Trapp is our leader. There is so much work that goes on behind the scenes, so much after hours, off the clock, on the weekends, conversations, texts, communications, it takes a lot of effort to win and organize throughout the whole season down to tonight. Coach Trapp has spent the last 20 years building, cultivating, and growing this program to the amazing thing each one of you tonight can experience. Without Coach Trapp and his dedication to not only the game but to this program and the players, I dare to say that the program would not be what it is today. Tonight, we would like to say thank you and congratulations to Coach Trapp on your 20th year as our head coach of the DeKalb County Tigers,” said Adcock.
In his 20 years from 2005 to the present, Coach Trapp has compiled a record of 111-110 and a play-off record of 7-15.
A member of the Liberty Station has won the DeKalb County Fire Department’s most coveted award.
Alyssa Harvey is the 2024 Wilson Bank & Trust Firefighter of the Year. She is the first ever female DeKalb County Firefighter to win this award.
Harvey was honored Saturday night during the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Awards Program at the county complex auditorium. Wilson Bank & Trust was the headlining sponsor. The emcee was Alex Woodward, a firefighter of the Cookeville Highway Station.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Andrew Harvey is the Liberty State Bank Officer of the Year and Alex Woodward of the Cookeville Highway Station was selected to receive the DeKalb Funeral Chapel “Git R Done” Award. The DeKalb Telephone Cooperative (DTC) Rookie of the Year Award went to Terry Phillips of the Four-Seasons Station and the Liberty Station was the FirstBank Station of the Year award winner. The Smithville Marine Station Commander of the Year award went to Frank Rodegeb.
Alyssa Harvey’s award was presented by Fire Chief Donny Green along with Chad Colwell of Wilson Bank & Trust
In making the presentation, program emcee Alex Woodward said Harvey was selected from firefighters demonstrating excellence in training participation, incident response, and community service.
“Alyssa serves the department in many different roles,” said Woodward.” She is very active in call volume and always ready to help and assist on the fire scene. Harvey maintains the firefighter attitude and spirit in working around obstacles and getting the job done both safely and efficiently in a timely manner. She is a team player and works well with others as a vital asset to the fire department,” Woodward continued.
“Harvey not only serves as an active member of the fire department, but she is also the mother of four children and works for the DeKalb County School system. Although she has a very busy and demanding schedule, Harvey attends fire meetings, work sessions, training, and responds to calls. She is also a member of two specialized teams within the fire department, the wild land and extrication teams. Harvey gives back to her community by volunteering to help with the DESA dinners, after school programs, teaching students fire safety and prevention, and installing smoke alarms for households in the community,” said Woodward.
“Another vital role is her being the Communication Outreach Officer, providing communication via text messages to the department with information regarding trainings, meetings, announcements, etc. She also publishes, creates and maintains all of the department’s social media outlets, with posts almost daily and resourceful information for the citizens of DeKalb County and the members of the department”.
“It can be seen why firefighter, Alyssa Harvey, is the 2024 Firefighter of the year”, said Woodward.
Nine members have earned Length of Service awards. The 5- & 10-year awards were sponsored by Walmart while Middle Tennessee Natural Gas sponsored the 15, 20 & 25-year service awards.
5 years of service: Jordan Lader (Johnson Chapel Station), Billy Parker (Johnson Chapel Station), and Blake Reffue (Equipment Officer)
10 years of service: Lieutenant Matt Adcock, Jody Lattimore (Short Mountain Highway Station), and Steven Lawrence (Blue Springs Station).
15 years of service: Nelson Davis (Cookeville Highway Station)
20 years of service: Jeremy Neal (Short Mountain Highway Station)
25 years of service: Michael D. Lawrence (Keltonburg Station)
The DeKalb County Fire Department honored one of the station commanders during Saturday night’s annual banquet.
The Smithville Marine Station Commander award was presented to Frank Rodegeb, Station Commander at the Temperance Hall Station. Chris Allen of Smithville Marine and DCFD Captain Blake Cantrell made the presentation. Wilson Bank & Trust was the program headlining sponsor.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Andrew Harvey is the Liberty State Bank Officer of the Year presented by Rhonda Caplinger and Noah Roberts of Liberty State Bank and DCFD Assistant Chief Anthony Boyd. Alex Woodward of the Cookeville Station was honored with the DeKalb Funeral Chapel “Git R Done” Award presented by Shannon Estes of DeKalb Funeral Chapel and Captain Brian Williams.
Banquet program emcee Alex Woodward made the award announcements except for his own award which was done by Captain Brian Williams.
The Station Commander award recipient is chosen by the fire department’s officers. Considerations for this honor include meeting or exceeding the following standard responsibilities of the Station Commander position:
Based upon these measures, the officers selected Temperance Hall Station Commander Frank Rodegeb as the recipient of the Smithville Marine DeKalb County Fire Department Station Commander of the Year award.
Lieutenant Andrew Harvey has earned the Liberty State Bank Officer of the Year Award.
This honor goes to a recipient exclusively selected from officers of the department who serve at the rank of lieutenant or above and for achievements in training attendance, incident response, and community service.
“Lieutenant Harvey is being awarded for his commitment to service in the community beyond the fire service. He is known for his fostering spirit to protect lives and property from fire-related incidents as well as other avenues of service, such as changing a tire for an individual on the side of the road. Andrew actively participates in the DESA events serving those families in need throughout the community,” said Woodward.
“A notable example of Lieutenant Harvey’s commitment to fire service is the implementation of the Fire Safety Education program which provides safety training for individuals in the local schools, community centers and neighborhood gatherings. He also is committed to the installation process for community members that need a working smoke alarm. Andrew helps organize the installation process, either by doing it himself or delegating to another firefighter, to help individual households by having properly installed and working alarms, decreasing the risk of fire-related fatalities. He demonstrates a consistent dedicated role in the recruitment and retention efforts of the department. Lieutenant Harvey was instrumental in organizing a dinner to show appreciation for our Rehab team and their families. He is also instrumental in educating and engaging new recruits into their roles, with education and station visits. Andrew uses his vast amount of knowledge in teaching new recruits fundamental knowledge in the 16-hour orientation class as well as assisting with the Citizens Fire Academy,” Woodward continued.
“Despite the time and commitment shown to the fire department and members of his community, Lieutenant Harvey balances his family responsibilities caring for his four children and supporting his wife at home. He displays time management and dedication to both his professional and personal life setting a remarkable example for others”.
“These examples are just some of the characteristics and attributes that Officer of the Year Andrew Harvey displays for both members of the fire department and the community. Andrew’s consistent and impactful community service reinforces the DeKalb County Fire Departments mission which is to serve with honor, integrity, and compassion,” said Woodward.
The 2024 DeKalb Funeral Chapel “Git R Done” Award went to Alex Woodward of the Cookeville Highway Station.
This award goes to a county firefighter based on community service, special projects within the fire department other than fire calls, special events such as fundraisers, and actions/accomplishments above and beyond normal to promote the success and image of the fire department.
“Alex has served his community in various ways over the past year. He has participated in the 2024 DeKalb emergency Services Associations meal delivery for the needy at both the Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve events in which both times more than 1000 meals where prepared and delivered. Woodward also spends countless hours volunteering his time with the Smithville Fiddlers’ jamboree and the DeKalb County Habitat for Humanity”, said Captain Brian Williams
“Alex serves as our Citizen Fire Academy Coordinator and sacrificed countless hours of his personal time to organize, plan, and present lesson plans for the 6-week academy. He serves on the Water Supply Equipment Task Force and has assisted with budgeting and acquisition of water supply equipment. Woodward has dedicated many hours working on our fundraising and project development for DeKalb Fire Inc. which supports the DCFD,” said Captain Williams.
“Alex has been very instrumental in helping plan, organize and fund our annual Awards Banquet. He has used his relationships in the community to successfully acquire many new banquet sponsors that makes this event and awards possible. Woodward is always going above and beyond to share his financial skills to help us budget and fund our special events. He has also been very successful in helping find funding for training facility projects, Water supply projects, and our annual awards banquet”.
“If you look at Alex’s accomplishments its easy to see that his actions go above and beyond in demonstrating a distinct pattern of community service, while he fulfills his assigned duty requirements and fire calls. His integrity, professionalism, respect, and accountability align with our department’s mission, vision and values, which has resulted in a positive reflection on the DCFD,” added Captain Williams.
Safe Industries sponsored 100% training awards which were presented to the following 27 DeKalb County Firefighters:
Justin Bass, Anthony Boyd, Blake Cantrell, Riley Fuson, Donny Green, Luke Green, Alvin Gunkel, Alyssa Harvey, Andrew Harvey, Kyle Hovey, Donnie Johnson, Ken Kobie, Will Odom, Matt Olson, Lauren Ostrander, Andy Pack, Cheyenne Phalin, Steven Phalin, Terry Phillips, Frank Rodegeb, Robert Sartin, Eric Snow, Airiana Stone, Calvin Tramel, Haston Waggoner, Brian Williams, and Alex Woodward.
B&B Emergency Equipment sponsored 75% training awards which were or will be presented to the following 16 DeKalb County Firefighters (some were absent from the banquet Saturday night to receive their award):
Clayton Anstis, Triston Brandon, Bill Brown, Luis Caceres, Keith Elkins, Christina Hovey, Dustin Johnson, Heather Lader, Jordan Lader, Harley Lawrence, Austin Ostrander, Billy Parker, Kari Patrick, Shawn Puckett, Blake Reffue, and Steve Repasy.
The Liberty Fire Station can claim bragging rights after being awarded the DeKalb County Fire Department’s FirstBank “Station of the Year” during Saturday night’s annual awards banquet. The headlining sponsor of the banquet was Wilson Bank & Trust. Awards were also presented to the DTC Communications “Rookie Firefighter of the Year” Terry Phillips of the Four Seasons Station and to the Town & Lake Realty Honorary Lifetime Membership award recipient DCFD Captain Blake Cantrell.
The DCFD also announced the promotion of firefighter Alex Woodward to the officer position rank of Lieutenant.
The Liberty Station Commander Kyle Hovey accepted the “Station of the Year” award from Lieutenant Matt Adcock and Scott Goodwin of FirstBank.
Alex Woodward was the program emcee and made the award announcements.
“The Liberty Station has spent a large number of hours not just with regular fire service and teamwork but also with a focus on service to the community in various ways. The station has placed extra emphasis on member involvement and training at the station level”.
“They have had at least four different station training sessions that the new members have requested while also inviting members from other stations. Specific training on Incident Command and scene size ups, water supply, pumping the station’s engine and training on ladders while wearing SCBA”.
“They have worked hard to keep their station organized and neat while also being accessible to the public while at the station”.
“Several members of this station pulled together to work on a giving box that was damaged. Together they repaired it as well as donated items to re-supply this box”.
“They hosted a community event at Halloween and also spent station funds to help a couple of families in their service area at Christmas time. They also decorated their engine and participated in the town Christmas Parade”
FirstBank is honored to announce that the Liberty Station 65 is the recipient of the 2024 DeKalb County Fire Department Station of the Year”.
Firefighter Terry Phillips of the Four Seasons Station was named the recipient of the 2024 DeKalb Telephone Cooperative (DTC) Rookie of the Year Award presented by Justin Mauldin of DTC and DCFD training officer Luke Green.
This award is exclusively based on hours of training completed by a rookie firefighter who completed his/her basic recruit training during 2024.
Program emcee Alex Woodward made the announcement of the winner and the award was presented by Captain Brian Williams
“The DeKalb County Fire Department has a rich legacy of being recognized for its excellent training programs. For the 16th consecutive year, the DeKalb County Fire Department has received statewide recognition for being an elite training department. The department’s leadership feels basic and continuous training are the best tools to give rookies when they enter the fire service. Consequently, training is the sole criteria used for selecting the “Rookie of the Year”.
“We certainly want to recognize all members who have demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to training. Today, we especially want to recognize this recruit for completing 273.09 hours of training during his 12-month rookie period.”
“DTC Communications is honored to announce that Terry Phillips, firefighter with the Four Seasons Station, is the 2024 DTC Rookie of the Year”, said Woodward.
The 2024 Town and Lake Realty Honorary Lifetime Membership honoree is Captain Blake Cantrell.
Program emcee Alex Woodward made the announcement and Jeff Williams, a previous honorary lifetime member presented the award
“Each year, the Department’s Executive Committee accepts and reviews applications for Honorary Lifetime Memberships. This is a very distinguished award and recipients are selected by the Department’s Executive Committee based on strict merits of their service and contributions to our department”.
The Honorary Lifetime Membership Award is being presented to one recipient for the year 2024.
“Captain Blake Cantrell has served as a Firefighter, Station Commander, Lieutenant, and now Captain for a cumulative time of 9 years. He has provided the following significant contributions during his time on the Department:
*Originally joining the Department in 2015 to help with communications but eventually learning there was more to accomplish.
*Since joining the department in 2015, he has been heavily involved in the implementation of new technology, including upgrade to APX radios and Apparatus mobiles, installing cameras at the main station, upgrading station doors to keypads, improving the technology for DCFD training facilities, build out of a new website, and many more improvement projects.
*Served as the Communications Officer for the department since 2016, managing the departments communication equipment and keeping it all up to date.
*Assisted with fundraising efforts through working the Jamboree and Fair booths, and most recently chairperson of the events committee.
*Currently serving as the Vice President of DeKalb Fire, Inc. Board of Directors”.
In April 2024, the DeKalb County Fire Department’s Executive Committee reviewed and approved Captain Cantrell’s application for Honorary Lifetime Membership”.
“This evening, we are honored to officially present Captain Blake Cantrell with his DeKalb County Fire Department Honorary Lifetime Membership, sponsored by Town & Lake Realty. As you can see, Captain Cantrell has served in a very honorable and dedicated manner”.
Curbing speeding in school zones!
Although the Smithville Police Department does what it can using various enforcement techniques including the issuance of citations, speeding through school zones is a persistent problem.
In order to enhance enforcement during morning and afternoon school traffic while freeing up officers to concentrate on other duties, the City of Smithville has begun discussions with Blue Line Solutions, LLC of Chattanooga to eventually establish automated school zone photo (speed camera) enforcement at no cost to the city using laser-based LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology.
Similar to automated license plate readers, Blue Lines’ laser-based LiDAR technology provides precise automated speed enforcement, ensuring that only vehicles violating speed limits are cited. ASETs identify vehicles and capture their speed through the use of a laser beam. The cameras capture the tag number of vehicles traveling over the speed limit in school zones. Violators are then sent a citation in the mail. The penalty is a $50 fine but unlike a ticket issued by law enforcement agencies, the citation is considered a civil infraction and can’t go against a driver’s record or insurance. The city and Blue Line Solutions would split the revenues from payment of fines. The citations could still be challenged in the Smithville Municipal Court.
During a workshop Monday night, the mayor and aldermen met with Ryan Moore of Blue Line Solutions to learn more about the service.
Following the methodology of the successful “Click It or Ticket” campaign, Moore explained that Blue Line emphasizes the importance of public information and education combined with enforcement to change driving behaviors. Blue Line Solutions is dedicated to “strive for zero” – zero crashes, zero injuries, and zero fatalities, particularly in school zones.
Should the city enter into a contract (possibly for two years) with Blue Line Solutions, a traffic study would first be commissioned and funded by the city (estimated $15,000) and then Blue Line would reimburse the city. Moore provided results of a preliminary five-day traffic study which had already been done recently in the school zones on Highway 70 & 56 in Smithville.
Once another traffic study is conducted as required, Blue Line would install the technology including cameras, lights, and signage at the school zones on highway 70 at DCHS and DeKalb Middle School, on highway 56 near Northside Elementary School, and on highway 56 near the DeKalb Christian Academy. Blue Line would recoup its cost over time from the city’s share of fine proceeds.
“We will erect a photo enforced sign on every side street into a school zone and at the end of each school zone before you go in, we will put up a radar feedback sign on a 14-foot pole using LiDAR single beam technology. After they (motorists) pass that last sign, they will have between 300 and 600 feet to slow down. This will be lane specific meaning we will monitor both lanes going east and west on highway 70 & 56, so it catches everybody coming and going both ways,” said Moore.
In order to acclimate motorists to the new service, violators would receive a warning (by mail) for exceeding school zone speed limits for the first 30 days following the program’s start. After that, they would receive citations.
“We would put $225,000 into your infrastructure or $75,000 per school zone,” said Moore. “All the violations will come to us in Chattanooga. Our people are certified just as a dispatcher. A POST certified officer also has to review the citations. Tickets are then sent out by us and we collect and take care of all the money. On the 15th of every month you (city) will get a revenue report on how many people paid their fines,” said Moore.
“Our goal is to change driving habits,” explained Moore. “In Georgia, we have 300 cameras and cut speeding down by 94. 9% across the state last year”.
If the city enters into a contract with Blue Line Solutions, the service is not expected to be implemented until perhaps the start of the 2025-26 school year.
DeKalb County author Braedon Jett will be signing copies of his latest book “The Hilarious History of Your Bathroom: Crazy Funny Facts for Curious Kids” on Thursday, January 30th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Justin Potter Library. His first book was “Did People Have Beds Just for Eating Food? The Hilarious History of Everything in Your Bedroom.
Braedon is an author and an avid history enthusiast. He is a 2020 graduate of DeKalb County High School and a resident of Smithville.
His books are meant to be not just entertaining, but educational as well. His hope is that kids will become as fascinated with the world around them as possible. This book is filled to the brim with exciting nonfiction short stories and vividly entertaining illustrations that will spark your child’s imagination and curiosity. Every chapter is an adventure through time and a discovery of the most fascinating things that have happened in the progress of everything from toilet paper, to hair gel, to toothbrushes.
Braedon is excited to announce and invite the community to Justin Potter Library where he will be signing his new book. The book will be available to purchase for $10.00.
For further information contact Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram or our website at www.dekalblibraries.net.
Make it nine!
During Thursday night’s annual appreciation dinner for city firefighters, the late Smithville Volunteer Firefighter and Deputy Chief Hoyte Hale was posthumously honored with the “Robert Eller Highest Attendance Award” as a volunteer. Hale, whose service with the department spanned 40 years, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 29. It was the ninth time Hale had earned this honor, named in tribute to the late Robert Eller, who served the Smithville Fire Department as a member and assistant chief for 64 years until his death in 2009. The award goes to the volunteer who responds to the most incidents during the year. Although Hale passed away nine months into the year 2024, Fire Chief Charlie Parker said Hale still earned the honor for having attended more fire department incidents, trainings, and events over any other department member.
Hale’s sons and daughter in law, Devin and Quentin Hale and Myrie received the award Thursday night, presented by Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker and Hale’s successor as Deputy Chief Jeff Wright.
“We can’t say enough about Hoyte,” said Chief Parker. “We have had a hard time adjusting to his passing, each one of us in our own way. It has affected our department, not just for the members but the way we operate and do things. We didn’t realize how much to start with but since going to a few fire calls and meetings, we have really started seeing the impact Hoyte had on our department. We always counted on Hoyte to be there. If we had a house fire Hoyte was always there. We want his family to understand how much Hoyte meant to the Smithville Fire Department and the citizens of Smithville,” said Chief Parker.
Meanwhile Dalton Roberts received the “Robert Eller Award” for attending the most incidents, trainings, workings, and events as a career (paid) firefighter. Roberts also received the career training award for having put in 135 training hours, the most of any other career firefighter. In addition, Roberts claimed the first ever” Hoyte Hale Firefighter of the Year” award given to the firefighter who goes above and beyond to help others and better the department. This award was presented to Roberts by the department and members of Hale’s family.
“When Hoyte passed away we wanted to do something to honor him so we are starting the “Hoyte Hale Award”. “This award is in honor of Hoyte for his 40 years of dedication and service to the Smithville Fire Department. This award is to recognize a firefighter who goes the extra effort, extra step, to help others, to help our department grow and help our community to be better,” said Chief Parker.
The top training award for a volunteer went to Joseph Taylor, who also put in 135 training hours.
Chief Parker presented a 50-year lifetime service award to William “Wink” Brown, who has been a volunteer with the Smithville Fire Department for 27 years but has dedicated his life and service to fire departments here and other places for 50 years.
“I started in 1974 with the Williamson County Rescue Squad, “said Brown. “In 1987 I started the Arrington Fire Department. Two years into that I spent 12 years on the State Fire Fighting Commission, and I joined here in 1998,” said Brown.
Chief Parker recognized member Mark Riggsee for his service to the department.
The Smithville Fire Department is made up of four career (full time paid firefighters) including Chief Charlie Parker, Dalton Roberts, Glenn Lattimore, and Ryan Evans along with almost 30 volunteers. Members of the department were recognized and presented certificates for their years of service.
Chief Parker highlighted several fire department achievements during the year including Dalton Roberts’ having received his EMT certification. Sean Hatch also earned his EMT certification and completed his basic fire training. Seth Wright became certified as an instructor and John Poss and Dalton Roberts earned their FF1 Fire Commission certification. Chief Parker said the department as a whole responded to 249 incidents and there were 54 trainings and 8 events involving the department.
A badge pinning ceremony was observed for members Jeff Wright, promoted to Deputy Chief and to firefighters Jayden Mitchell, Max Lahoda, Daine Powell, Joseph Taylor, Mackenley Turner, and Ryan Evans.
Another round?
At the request of Alderman Jessica Higgins, a proposal to change the distance requirement in the Smithville beer ordinance will be back on the agenda at the monthly meeting in February.
Mayor Josh Miller made that announcement during Monday night’s workshop with the aldermen.
“Jessica did ask me to put the beer ordinance back on the agenda for February,” said Mayor Miller. “I am not having another workshop on this. We have talked this to death in the last few months. Its either going to pass or its not going to pass. Its basically what we voted on the last time. There has to be a motion and a second and then I will call the roll. There would have to be two readings and a public hearing before it could pass,” said Mayor Miller.
During the workshop both Aldermen Higgins and Danny Washer said they had been asked by members of the public to bring the issue back up.
In September, the aldermen voted 3 to 2 against amending the city beer ordinance to eliminate the 400-foot distance requirement between a church or school and businesses seeking an on-premises consumption permit. Had it been approved the ordinance amendment would have only applied to the C-2 zone which is the downtown business district and none of the other existing regulations in the ordinance would have been changed.
Alderman Jessica Higgins made a motion to approve the amendment removing the 400-foot distance requirement and Alderman Danny Washer offered a second to the motion, but they were the only two who voted in favor. The remaining three Aldermen, Donnie Crook, Beth Chandler, and Shawn Jacobs voted against changing the ordinance.
Under the existing ordinance, the language states that “In no event will a permit be issued authorizing the manufacture or storage of beer, or the sale of beer within 400 feet of any school or church. The distance requirement shall be measured in a straight line from the primary entrance of the establishment seeking a permit to sell beer to the primary entrance of the school or church”.
During January’s regular monthly meeting last week, Bert Driver, owner of the Harvester Event Center downtown, addressed the mayor and aldermen during the public comments period asking them to reconsider the issue. Driver, who already has a city issued beer permit, said changing the ordinance regarding the distance restrictions would not only level the playing field for downtown businesses who might otherwise qualify for a permit but it would bring in more tax revenue at a time when the county is needing more funding with plans to build a new school.
The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival Board of Volunteers wants to remind the community of the upcoming deadline for non-profit organizations to register their food booths for the July 4th – 5th, 2025 festival.
The board allows all not-for-profits to have the first chance to reserve a prime spot around the Smithville Square. Following the March 1st deadline, all for-profit vendors will be allowed to register for the remaining available spaces.
“We always make the local non-profits our first priority. We also give special consideration to those food vendors who have previously supported the Jamboree. In addition, we want to spread the word that many churches and organizations partner with an established commercial food vendor. These partnerships allow the charitable organization to make a profit, without having to gather volunteers, or bear the burden of setting up a booth. I encourage anyone who may be interested in this type of partnership/fund-raising to reach out to me prior to the February 15th deadline. It is a wonderful way to raise money for your organization.” said Jack Barton, Director of Food Services for the Jamboree.
Deadline for non-profit food booths is February 15th with payment by March 1, 2025. For more information, call the Jamboree office at 615-597-8500, email smithvillejamboree@gmail.com or message their Facebook page @SmithvilleJamboree.