News

If the county is to eventually build a new jail to meet state certification standards, a site has to be selected. Will it be at the existing location or on new property inside the city limits of Smithville?

During a three-hour meeting Monday night, April 7 the jail committee of the county commission met to discuss several options for land purchase and costs and to again explain to the public why a new jail is needed. During the public comment period later in the meeting, the committee took questions from a large group of residents who turned out to give their opinions and, in some cases to express their frustrations.

Sixteen people took to the podium to speak, and their concerns ranged from outright opposition to building a new jail especially in their neighborhoods to keeping construction costs to a minimum if a new jail is built.

Many are still angry over the county commission’s vote last year to increase the property tax rate by 51 cents to service the debt on proposed construction of a jail/judicial center through issuance of bonds not to exceed $65 million which eventually failed at the polls during a public referendum last November. But while the bond issue did not move forward the property tax increase still remains in place for another jail construction project yet to be approved.

(View the WJLE Facebook LIVE video from Monday night’s meeting)

Full time!

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting of the Alexandria Mayor and Aldermen, a majority of the council voted to officially name interim Police Chief Vincent Turocy as the new full time chief replacing Kenneth (K.D. Smith) who was terminated by the board last month.

Also, by a majority vote, the board hired Nathaniel (Nate) Lombard as a full-time officer. According to Mayor Beth Tripp the town as of late had no full-time officer.

Members of the board in attendance were Jonathon Tripp, Jeff Ford, Sherry Tubbs, Bobby Simpson and Luke Prichard. Alderman Tiffany Robinson was not present. According to Mayor Tripp, Robinson has resigned her alderman seat only eight months after being appointed by the aldermen to fill an unexpired two-year term.

Alderman Simpson said he preferred the town ask the sheriff’s department to conduct law enforcement for the town rather than the police department.

Alderman Simpson: “Aint we going back down the same road we’ve done rode down”.

Mayor Tripp: “No”.

Alderman Simpson: “Yes we are too”.

Mayor Tripp: “I don’t feel that way. We need full time”

Alderman Simpson: “It’s the same thing again. I want to talk to the sheriff’s department and get them to come down here and take it over”

Alderman Sherry Tubbs: “We couldn’t do that without going through certain steps and that takes about six to eight months so we have to do this right now or we could be held liable”

Alderman Simpson: “Can we at least schedule a workshop and get the sheriff or somebody to come down here and talk to us”

Alderman Tubbs: “We can but we have to hire somebody right now. We’d have to change the city charter and everything”

Mayor Tripp: “And that takes time. It’s (charter change) got to go in front of the state (legislature)”

Alderman Tubbs: “(Sheriff) Patrick Ray said he would come and talk to us”

Alderman Simpson: “Lets schedule a workshop and get him to come down here”

Alderman Tubbs: “We have to get our finances together too. We haven’t even started on the new budget”

Mayor Tripp: “We’ll need a workshop for it (budget). We’ll have our finance officer and MTAS coming for that as well, but I would like for you to consider hiring him (Turocy) as chief at least for now and Nate as our full-time officer and vote on it”.

In other business, Ambre Ahlgard was hired as a part time water clerk and to perform other duties in the office. “It will be beneficial to have her. Before we had four office staff and now we have only three,” said Mayor Tripp.

As for a proposal for the town to lease the doctor’s building for the police department, Mayor Tripp said no action has yet been taken on that, but a workshop could be scheduled later to discuss it.

Aldermen Simpson and Prichard inquired about having a new city attorney to give legal advice on the matter

Alderman Simpson: “Where’s the lawyer”

Mayor Tripp: “I’m still working on that”

Alderman Prichard. “I don’t know how we are voting on any of this stuff without an attorney”

Mayor Tripp: “Because I don’t need an attorney”

Alderman Simpson: “I do”

Alderman Prichard: “I do too”

Mayor Tripp: “You are always welcome to bring your own (attorney) and that’s fine”

Alderman Simpson: “I didn’t know there was BYOB here”

Alderman Prichard: “I didn’t either”

Meanwhile the board voted to have the AC unit repaired in a 2018 Dodge Durango for the police department at a local service shop for $989.

At the request of Chief Turocy, a majority of the board voted to spend up to $3,876 to outfit the five members of the police department with new uniforms using available funds in the budget.

A majority of the board also voted to spend $499 per unit to have a vendor update the city patrol cars with new graphics and markings, at the request of the chief. The total cost is about $3,000.

The DeKalb County Election Commission has a new member.

Marty Jacoby, a Republican, succeeds Republican Brandon Gay who recently resigned from the commission. Gay, who had also served as Chairman, was appointed in January 2022 after his grandmother Barbara Vanatta had stepped down from the election commission.

Jacoby was appointed to his first full term on the local election commission by the state election commission Monday, April 7.

Marty said he and his wife Annie, now both retired, love this community and he is excited about this opportunity to serve the county

“I worked with FedEx for 30 years. I moved to Murfreesboro in 1995, With my work they pushed me to Atlanta, Jacksonville Florida, etc. but I would always gravitate back to middle Tennessee. I knew if I ever came back here with work full time this is where I wanted to be. I moved here full time around 2014 and recently retired. I had been coming up here for many years. This was my dream. I wanted to retire in Smithville. I have been an avid boater for many years coming up here to the lake. I just fell in love with the community. My wife Annie just recently retired from Liberty State Bank where she worked for many years as a head teller. I was looking for a way to serve and give back to my community and this was an opportunity they approached me with, and I was happy to do it,” said Jacoby.

Meanwhile Republicans Loree Farmer Hall and Ronald Dean Sifford and Democrats Kim Driver Luton and Yvette Tubbs Carver have all been reappointed by the state election commission to their second full terms on the DeKalb County Election Commission.

The new county election commission met Monday night, April 7 to reorganize by electing a chairman and secretary. The chairman represents the majority party and the secretary the minority party. Loree Hall was elected the new Chairman and Kim Luton will remain as secretary.

The county election commission members serve by appointment of the Tennessee Election Commission. Local Republican and Democrat parties nominate members to be appointed. The state election commission met Monday, April 7 in Nashville to make the appointments for county election commissions here and across the state.

Since the state legislature is made up of a majority of GOP lawmakers, Republicans hold majority memberships on the Tennessee Election Commission as well as all county election commissions. The appointments to local commissions are made by the state election commission in April of odd numbered years. The term for each member is for two years.

Dustin Estes is the DeKalb County Election Administrator.

The City of Smithville is paying tribute to a hometown country music icon.

Thirteen months ago, the Smithville Aldermen, upon the recommendation of Mayor Josh Miller, voted to name the alley between Main Street and Market Street in honor of Aaron Tippin.

The formal dedication is scheduled for April 8 at 5:30 p.m. downtown Smithville. The city will close West Main Street at around 3 p.m. Tuesday for the dedication.

About Aaron Tippin:

Aaron Dupree Tippin, born on July 3, 1958, in Pensacola Florida is a celebrated figure in American country music, known for his authentic, blue-collar anthems that resonate deeply with the working class. Raised in Greer, South Carolina, Tippin’s early life was marked by diverse experiences including working as a farm hand, welder, truck driver, and commercial pilot, which later inspired many of his songs.

Tippin’s music career began to take shape in the 1970s when he performed in local honky-tonks. His big break came in 1990 when he signed with RCA Nashville releasing his debut single “You’ve Got to Stand for Something”. This song not only became a top 10 hit but also served as an anthem for U.S. soldiers during the Gulf War, cementing his place in country music history. His signature hits include “There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with the Radio”, “Kiss This” and post-9/11 patriotic song “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly”.

Throughout his career, Tippin has released nine studio albums, with six achieving gold status and one platinum, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences through his distinctive baritone voice characterized by a Southern twang. His songwriting talent was also recognized early on, with songs written for artists like The Kingsmen, Mark Collie, and Charley Pride before his own recording career took off.
Beyond music, after moving to DeKalb County in 1994, Aaron Tippin has shown his entrepreneurial spirit by opening Aaron Tippin Firearms stores and by founding his own record label, Nippit Records, in 2006. His personal life includes his marriage to Thea in 1995, with whom he has two children. Tippin’s commitment to his community and love for country music makes him a beloved figure in Smithville, where he has also contributed to local businesses and cultural life.

The dedication of Aaron Tippin Alley in downtown Smithville is a tribute to his contributions to music, his connection to the local community, and his embodiment of the hardworking spirited essence of country music.

Join in celebrating Aaron Tippin and his remarkable journey from local talent to country music icon at the dedication ceremony.

Smithville Elementary will hold kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the County Complex.

Please bring COPIES of the following documents to Registration:

– Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate

– Current, up-to-date, physical examination and immunization record (These must be on a Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization, which can be obtained from your doctor’s office or the Health Department)

– Proof of residency for DeKalb County (i.e. gas/electric bill)

– Your child will need to attend. He/She will be assessed on this day.

* Children who register to attend kindergarten must turn five years old on or before August 15, 2025.

The DeKalb Lady Tiger Tennis team rallied from a 3-0 early deficit to pull out a 5-4 victory over Cannon County on Friday at the Smithville Golf Club. The girls started the match with losses at #1 and #2 singles and #1 doubles. Abby Joe Crook and Kayce Hale took the court at #2 doubles and kicked off the momentum change. Crook, Hale, and Jayde Lester all won their doubles and singles matches to account for the 5 match victories to seal the victory. Kaylee Hoersch partnered with Lester for the #3 doubles win. DeKalb Head Coach Brian Cadle praised the Lady Tigers’ comeback effort. “Cannon always brings solid and consistent players each year and provides a huge challenge for us. I am so proud of our girls and their continual improvement match by match.” The girls ended the week with a 5-3 record, winning against York last Monday.

The boys’ team dropped their match to the Lions by a score of 8-1. Lance Duke and Ian Barnes accounted for the sole victory for the Tigers. Cannon’s depth from the 1st to 6th seed was too much for DeKalb. “Our boys play together often in the off-season with Cannon County’s boys here in Smithville for our USTA Junior Team Tennis program. We know each other well and understand how deep Cannon’s team is. They simply got the best of us today.” The Tigers ended the week with a 6-2 record, as they also recorded a victory against York. DeKalb goes on the road for matches at Smyrna and Upperman before taking off Friday and Saturday for DeKalb County High School’s prom this weekend.

More Tennesseans were on the job in February than the previous month as 88 of 95 counties including DeKalb reported a decline in their unemployment rates, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) announced today.

DeKalb County’s unemployment rate for February was 3.9%, down from 4.3% in January but up slightly from 3.7% in February 2024. The local labor force for February was 7,880. A total of 7,575 were employed and 305 were unemployed.

In two Tennessee counties, unemployment rates in February were the same as in January. Five counties saw an increase.

Eighty-four Tennessee counties recorded unemployment rates of less than 5%. The remaining 11 counties had rates greater than 5% but less than 10%.

Williamson County reported the lowest unemployment rate for the month at 2.6%, a decline of two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month.

Four counties — Cheatham, Wilson, Robertson, and Rutherford — had unemployment rates of 2.7%. Macon and Knox counties followed with rates of 2.8%.

Cocke County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate for February at 6.6%, a drop of four-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month.

Pickett County had the next-highest rate at 6.3%, a decline of seven-tenths of a percentage point. Lewis County followed with a rate of 5.9%. Its rate in January was 4.1%.

Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has remained steady at 3.7% for six consecutive months. The national rate in February was 4.1%.

Unlike the statewide rate, county rates are not adjusted to account for seasonal impacts on employment.
Job seekers can work one-on-one with a career specialist — at no cost — at one of Tennessee’s American Job Centers. Find a list of locations here.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training can help remove barriers to employment through funded education, skills training, and supportive services.

Live a little, love a little with “Libby”

“Libby,” the WJLE/DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pet of the Week” is a four-year-old female mixed breed dog. She is very sweet and cuddly. Libby is sponsored so her adoption fee is only $90. She has been spayed and is up to date on vaccinations and when she is adopted Libby will be up to date on her flea and tick preventions.

If you are interested in meeting Libby, fill out an application on the animal shelter website or come in. Visit https://www.dekalbanimalsheltertn.com/ or call 615-597-3647.

The shelter is open Mondays-Fridays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Transfer Station Road off Highway 70 east behind Tenneco.

DeKalb County residents are urged to take part in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The DeKalb Prevention Coalition and the Drug Enforcement Administration will host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at two locations in DeKalb County. DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Take Back locations locally are Smithville City Hall, 104 East Main Street and the Alexandria City Hall, 102 High Street.

For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction. Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide. In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. For more information visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

Smithville Elementary would like to recognize Students of the Month for March. These students were selected for their outstanding character, academics, and other traits that make them an all-around excellent student. Selected as Students of the Month for March are:

PreK – Ayla Aladwan, Brian Brumbach
Kindergarten – Savannah Reffue, Millie Griffin
1st Grade – Adalyn Meadows, Weston Melton
2nd Grade – Knox Pyles, Dakota Pettit