News

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

The Smithville and Alexandria town councils will be meeting Monday night, April 7 at 6 p.m. at their respective city hall meeting locations.

The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen will meet in regular monthly session, The board will consider approval of resolution 2025-A adopting a plan of services for an annexation request by Hollingshead Materials, LLC. A public hearing would be held on April 28 at 2 p.m. as required by state law, should it be approved Monday night. Any other business properly brought before the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. A budget workshop will follow the meeting.

The Alexandria Mayor and Aldermen will have a special called meeting Monday, April 7 at 6 p.m. at city hall.

The agenda is as follows:

Mayor to open the meeting.

Roll Call

Board authorization to hire a part time water clerk

Action on police uniforms, repairs to a Durango, and the hiring of a police chief and full-time officer

Discussion about the Doctor’s Office Building

Adjournment

A WJLE Radiothon to raise money for the DCHS Class of 2025 Project Graduation will be Good Friday, April 18 from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

High school seniors and parents on the Project Graduation committee will be answering phones, taking pledges during the drive. Any member of the Class of 2025 is urged to stop by the station to make an appearance on the radiothon to talk about their school activities and future plans.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDeKalbCountyTigers%2Fposts%2Fpfbid036NguWVCViKZ8of1zv21CJun775X2d6d7BdXPMpWqWVaQzwXZsopraWCnmyHyyuhJl&show_text=true&width=500

Last year during the three-hour fundraiser which was also LIVE streamed on Facebook almost $8,500 was raised in pledges and donations for the 2024 Project Graduation event. The radiothon will be hosted by Jordan Atnip of the Smithville First Baptist Church.

Project Graduation is an all-night drug-free, alcohol-free graduation party for members of the DCHS Class of 2025 committed to having a safe, wholesome, yet entertaining celebration together for the last time as a class. The event begins following the graduation ceremony Friday, May 16.

Call 615-597-4265 during the Radiothon to make your pledge from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Friday, April 18.

Listen LIVE on FM 101.7/AM 1480 and LIVE audio streaming at www.wjle.com.

State House Joint Resolutions honoring DeKalb County High School Class of 2025 Valedictorian Kora Kilgore and Salutatorian Madeline Martin have been introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly by State Representative Michael Hale.

The resolutions are expected to be adopted by both the State House and Senate and signed by the Governor.

The resolution honoring Kilgore states as follows:

“A RESOLUTION to honor and recognize Kora Kilgore, 2025 Valedictorian of DeKalb County High School.

WHEREAS it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and unflagging commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves in the classroom; and WHEREAS, Kora Kilgore is one such exceptional student, who was recently named the Valedictorian of the 2025 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and

WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Ms. Kilgore has achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and

WHEREAS, in her remarkable high school career, Kora Kilgore has earned an exemplary grade point average while participating in numerous extracurricular activities; and

WHEREAS, her display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for her future success; and

WHEREAS, Kora Kilgore’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for her parents, John and Ginda Kilgore, her school, and her community; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Kilgore’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of this General Assembly; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor Kora Kilgore of DeKalb County High School on being named the 2025 Valedictorian, salute her impressive academic achievement, and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future”.

The resolution honoring Martin is as follows:

“A RESOLUTION to honor and recognize Madeline Martin, 2025 Salutatorian at DeKalb County High School.

WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and unflagging commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, Madeline Martin is one such exceptional student, who was recently named the Salutatorian of the 2025 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and

WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Ms. Martin has achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and

WHEREAS, in her remarkable high school career, Madeline Martin has earned an exemplary grade average while participating in numerous extracurricular activities; and WHEREAS, her display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for her future success; and

WHEREAS, Madeline Martin’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for her parents, Tim and Michiko Martin, her school, and her community; and WHEREAS, Ms. Martin’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of this General Assembly; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor Madeline Martin of DeKalb County High School on being named the 2025 Salutatorian, salute her impressive academic achievement, and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future”.

The county owned Pine Creek Saddle Club property may soon be up for sale.

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the county commission voted to approve a recommendation from the Revenue Research Committee to sell the Pine Creek Saddle Club property on Four Seasons Road at a public auction.

“We could get an auctioneer and set a buyer’s premium so that his fee would be paid by the buyer and set a minimum reserve price of $112,750 which is roughly $25,000 an acre. It’s a very desirable piece of property and we have already had five or six people express an interest in it,” said Committee Chairman Larry Green.

By selling certain unused county owned properties like Pine Creek Saddle Club, Green said the county could take revenue from the sales and apply it to other county needs.

Meanwhile the county commission, based on a recommendation of the public works committee, voted to rename the history room, arcade room, and art room at the county complex to give them a more distinguishable identity.

The history room is to be renamed “The Tennessee Room”, the arcade room will be given the name “The DeKalb Room” and the art room is to be called “The Classroom”.

Since the county complex was opened in 2012 the rooms had names for their intended purposes. Arcade games were originally placed in the arcade room for youth to gather and enjoy but over time the arcade games were removed. Although the history room was meant to have been used to display county historical artifacts it was never developed for that purpose. Both rooms remain vacant but are often used by senior citizens and other groups. The art room is located near the main auditorium of the complex and its purpose is also primarily for the public to meet or gather.

Several people have been charged in recent crimes by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department ranging from a burglary and theft to drug offenses among others.

27-year-old Keely Breanna Jacobs of Sparta is charged with three counts of simple possession of a schedule III drug. Her bond is $11,500 and she will be in court April 3.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on March 11 deputies arrested Jacobs for violation of probation and during a search of her person, they found in a black zippered container 12 orange pills believed to be Buprenorphine, 2 blue pills thought to be Alprazolam, and in her front left pocket 3 white pills suspected of being Oxycodone.

29-year-old John Thomas Flesher III of McMinnville is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver. His bond is $15,000 and he will be in court April 3.

Sheriff Ray said that on March 11 a deputy found a vehicle parked in a cul de sac on Quail Point Drive and then spotted Flesher walking through a yard. Upon searching the general area where Flesher was observed the officer found a black magnet keybox containing a pink baggie with a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine which weighed 1.34 grams.

30-year-old Brittany Ann Campbell is charged with theft of property and burglary. Her bond is $8,500 and she will be in court April 3.

Sheriff Ray said that on January 29 Campbell allegedly broke into a business on Cookeville Highway and stole a corded dremel, blue tooth speaker, and a scalpel valued at $168. The case was investigated by a detective.

43-year-old Rachel Amanda Andrews of Jacksonville, Alabama is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver. She is under a $20,000 bond and her court date is April 10.

Sheriff Ray said that on March 24 deputies were approached by an individual about a possible Facebook marketplace scam with a truck they were trying to sell. During the investigation officers met with Andrews at the Whorton Springs Baptist Church location where she gave verbal consent to search. Found in her possession were 2 baggies containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine that weighed 2.3 grams and 1.1 grams. Also recovered were 9 clear baggies and 2 clear glass pipes with residue on a broken one. Another clear baggie was found which held one orange pill believed to be a schedule III drug.

32-year-old Jason James Ervin of Four Seasons Road is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver; possession of a firearm during a felony, possession of drug paraphernalia, and another count of possession of a schedule drug with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver. His bond is $27,500 and he will be in court April 10.

Sheriff Ray said that on March 25 a deputy was summoned to Four Seasons Road due to a campfire. Upon arrival officers found while searching the surrounding area the owner of the camper, Ervin who was lying down on the side of the hill. Ervin gave consent to search and found in his jacket pocket was a container with 2.2 grams of a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine. Lying next to Ervin was a Marlin 22 caliber rifle with 158- 22 rounds. Further found in Ervin’s pocket was a container with a meth pipe. Four white pills thought to be Gabapentin were found in the pocket of a backpack and a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was located inside a container in his jacket pocket.

30-year-old Mikael Scott Malone of Murfreesboro is charged with two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His bond is $10,000 and he will be in court April 10.

Sheriff Ray said that on March 15 & 24 Malone allegedly picked up a 15-year-old girl aiding her in running away from home. During the first incident, the girl returned home two days later. She had been reported missing in DeKalb County.

58-year-old Peter David Bohannon, Jr. of Sparta is charged with driving on a revoked license and contraband in a penal institution. His bond is $6,500 and he will be in court April 10.

Sheriff Ray said that on March 25 a deputy pulled over a Blue Cadillac Escalade knowing the driver, Bohannon had a suspended license. Bohannon had been stopped earlier in the day by another county officer and was told not to be driving. A background check through central dispatch confirmed that Bohannon’s license was suspended. He was placed in custody. At the jail while conducting a strip search a correctional officer found on Bohannon a clear glass pipe with residue inside of Bohannon’s underwear.

30-year-old Jose Gonzales of McMinnville is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver. His bond is $10,000 and he will be in court April 10.

Sheriff Ray said that on March 29 a deputy was west on East Broad Street and spotted a red Ford Explorer leave its lane of travel several times. The officer pulled over the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Gonzales. The deputy obtained verbal consent to search the vehicle and found on the passenger side seat inside a Marlboro red cigarette pack a small clear baggie which held a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine that weighed 0.58 grams. Also found there inside the plastic cover of a cigarette pack was a dollar bill which was wrapped around a crystal-like substance thought to be methamphetamine that weighed 0.11 grams. Located on the back side of the passenger seat near the floorboard was an empty baggie with drug residue.

32-year-old Ulises Guzman Cifuentes of McMinnville is charged with simple possession of a schedule II drug and no driver license. His bond is $10,000 and he will be in court April 17.

Sheriff Ray said that on March 30 at 3:43 a.m. a deputy pulled over a gray Honda Civic for failure to maintain lane of travel and spoke with the driver, Cifuentes who stated that he did not have a driver license. He also gave the officer verbal consent to search the vehicle. Found in his wallet was a blue baggie containing a white substance that weighed 0.24 grams believed to be cocaine.

24-year-old Dennis Jameson Southworth of Liberty is charged with driving under the influence. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court April 17.

Sheriff Ray said that on March 29 a deputy was patrolling South Mountain Street when he spotted a gray Dodge Ram leave its lane of travel crossing the center line twice. The officer pulled over the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Southworth whose eyes were bloodshot and watery, and he smelled of alcohol. He was also unsteady on his feet. Southworth submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He was placed under arrest.