WJLE Radio

DeKalb County High School students took their homecoming excitement and celebration to the streets Friday afternoon with a parade culminating a spirit week of activities and fun.

The parade lineup included class and club floats, Homecoming queen Summer Poss and her attendants, the Tiger football squad and other athletic teams, Mr. and Miss DCHS Tucker Webb and Lillie Young, the DCHS Band King and Queen, decorated automobiles, emergency vehicles, and more. The motorcade made its way from the high school down West Broad Street and then to South Congress Boulevard over to Smithville Elementary School and then north on Congress Boulevard to Northside Elementary where the DCHS band joined the parade enroute to the public square. The parade concluded with a brief performance by the band and a pep rally led by the Tiger Football Cheerleaders.

The DCHS Senior Class won first place in the Homecoming float competition with the theme “To Victory and Beyond”

Second place went to the Sophomore Class float with the theme “Poor Unfortunate Souls”

The FFA Club took third place with the theme “Pooh on the Dragons”

In the best decorated vehicle category, Dayani Franco Canseco and Michelle Torres won first place. Sophie Adcock and Lakelyn Nelson took second place and Haylee Killian and Katie Holland got third place.

After taking office one month ago, Patrick Ray has settled into his new role as County Mayor after a 20-year period as DeKalb County Sheriff.

County Mayor Ray said he is enjoying his new job and the public has been welcoming. He invites anyone to call or stop by his office at the courthouse for a visit or to say hello, especially if they have an idea or concern.

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In a video interview with WJLE Wednesday, County Mayor Ray said over the past month he and others have been working to address structural issues, making repairs at county buildings including the courthouse, county complex, and the farmer’s market.

Working with the Solid Waste Director Chris Chapman, County Mayor Ray said the public will also soon see improvements and changes in the operation of the county’s solid waste department which are intended to make it more user friendly and convenient. Ray said the county’s solid waste committee and county commission will also be involved in making recommendations.

“Everybody that works for solid waste, including Chris, do a great job for the county and we're very proud to have them. I have met with each and every one of those employees and listened to their concerns," said County Mayor Ray.

Among the changes are the possibility of a future re-opening of selected convenience sites on Sundays and effective, November 1 in conjunction with the end of Daylight Savings Time, changing the daily hours of all the convenience sites on a seasonal basis from 9 to 6 to 8 to 5 six days a week until Daylight Saving Time returns next spring.

"I am a believer in committee meetings and running things through, in this case, the county solid waste committee and then to the county commission so we will be having meetings with the solid waste committee and going over some of the things that we're wanting to do because it costs money to do those but there won't be any kind of tax increase to get this done. The county already has money set aside in solid waste to make those improvements,” said County Mayor Ray

A few of the solid waste department improvements according to County Mayor Ray are as follows:

*“The graveled lots going into and out of the convenience sites need some repair work so that is coming”

*“We will be looking to see if we're able to purchase some compactors for the Belk, Blue Springs, and Silver Point convenience sites. These locations are farthest away from the transfer station and we are running back and forth two to three times a week taking an empty dumpster to those sites and bringing back a full dumpster. We want to cut those trips down maybe to once a week. Hopefully we'll be able to get that done,”

*“We're also looking at the steps, the stair platforms that go up between the dumpsters or to the dumpster where people can walk up. We’re in the process of getting those either repaired or rebuilt altogether”.

*“We have also completed the Temperance Hall convenience site. If you have ever been there, you know, it has been just a can (dumpster) with a cage around it. This one will soon be manned. It was funded mostly with a grant that we had got previously. Hopefully that will be up and running before too long”.

*“ You will also see some better signage around our convenience sites where people will know what the hours are”

*“I also want everybody to know sometimes if you try to carry something to one of the convenience sites, such as a mattress or a couch, and that convenience site doesn't accept it there, and they tell you to go to the transfer station, you do not have to pay for some things through the transfer station. If you have a mattress that you're wanting to dump or a couch, we have cans that are set up there. Chris has done a good job down there about lining that up. It's almost like a mini convenience site down there where you can just pull up and throw it over into the dumpster. Not everything gets charged that comes through the transfer station so if you are told to go there to dump a mattress or couch or something like that, don't think it's going to necessarily cost you to dump stuff there. Some things are charged for, but they will tell you if it will cost you something”.

*“We will be starting November 2nd, but we're going to say November 1st because that's when Daylight Saving Time ends, we are going to change the hours at the convenience sites. That was a big concern to a lot of the workers there because it gets dark as early as 4:30 p.m. in the fall and winter and they were there an hour or an hour and a half after dark and some of the sites were not well lighted. For the safety of the workers and the public we’re going to change the time after November 1st from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon, Monday through Saturday, and then when we go back to Daylight Saving Time and I think that's in March, then we'll go back to the 9 to 6 hours”.

*“Another complaint is trailers into the convenience sites. I know a lot of them (sites) are restricted where you couldn't bring a trailer in there. All of the convenient sites, but one will now accept 5-foot trailers into the sites. You can take your garbage and put it on there (trailer) and run it through. I know a lot of people have cars or Jeeps and don’t want to put nasty garbage in there, and I understand that. There's only one site that we will not allow trailers and that is the Cookeville Highway site near Village Market. The reason for that is the compactor sets so close to the fence you can’t make the turn to get back around, even with a 5-foot trailer but we will have signage posted to let everyone know”.

*“Another thing coming up is about the convenience sites being open on Sundays. We are looking into that. I'll tell you, I'm not a person who believes people should work on Sunday, unless your ox is in the ditch but I do think our solid waste is an essential service to the county and they are an essential service for citizens who want to take off their trash. There are things that have to be in motion before we can start that and one is we’ll need a spot at the transfer station to offload dumpsters full of trash to set till Monday and then we will need to have dumpsters to swap out doing that so there's some things behind the scenes that have to happen to make all this happen. All of them will not be open on Sundays. We will probably open maybe the Cookeville Highway, Snows Hill and Alexandria sites on Sundays and then we'll go from there with it”,” said County Mayor Ray.

As for county buildings, County Mayor Ray mentioned several improvements that have already been made or are in the process of being made.

“We have gotten the outdoor sign fixed at the complex where you can see what all the building has going on inside. We have done some work on the doors at the complex where some of the handles had broken off. We had those repaired. I put up a new flag this week. The one there was tattered pretty bad. The flag there now looks nice," he said.

“We also did a lot of cleaning up around the buildings. I believe in taking care of things and making everything look good. We have also worked on the sound equipment at the complex. Another thing that we're going to try to do at the complex is to do some repair work on the back of the building that has some damage. We're going to pressure wash the porches. I'm going to take bids for that in the next month. Inside the complex, we’re going to speed buff the floors to make them look good. Former mayor Matt Adcock had a lot of the rooms painted so it's going to look really nice after it's all done”

“Something we've done at the Farmer’s Market is make some plumbing repairs. There was a real bad leak and that caused some damage”.

“The courthouse has had issues with the HVAC boiler and chiller system but we have had that adjusted and it just got installed not too long ago".

“We're going to trim the shrubs at the courthouse. A lot of the shrubs are outgrown and some of them have died. We’re also going take bids on topping the trees around the courthouse”.

“The public entrance point to the courthouse will also be changed soon. We will be moving that from the east side of the courthouse to the basement so our security officers can scan (with metal detectors) everybody as they come into the basement. Some of the reasoning for that is the handicap ramp that is on the east side is probably not ADA compliant and its hard for some elderly and handicapped people including veterans to get up that long handicap ramp or walk up the steps on the, east side of the courthouse. Hopefully that will make it easier on them”, said County Mayor Ray.

“We'll also do some signage inside of the courthouse to direct people where to go and to what floors and we’re looking at some grants to maybe rework our elevator system along with some added security features at the courthouse,” he said.

County Mayor Ray said he has met with several industry plant managers and business owners and wants to establish a partnership with them.

“I've had quite a few meetings with some business owners, and I am going around to all of our businesses and factories to talk to the plant managers, just making sure everything's okay with them, and if there is anything that the county can help them with. I will say that I've been very blessed to be able to come in and go to at least 6 ribbon cuttings since I've been county mayor. That's nothing I did, that was already done before,” he said.

“I've also spoken to other people about some new jobs coming in, so we'll keep our fingers crossed and hope things will happen there,” said County Mayor Ray

2026 property tax notices will be going out in the mail Wednesday, September 30 bearing the color of “Purple” which has a special meaning to Trustee Sean Driver.

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Property taxes will be due and payable starting October 1, 2026 through March 1, 2027 before any interest becomes due on March 2, 2027. Interest will accrue on March 2, 2027 @ 1.5% per month. If you choose to mail in your tax payment, it must be postmarked on or prior to March 1, 2027 to avoid any accrued interest.

For 2026, the tax rate will be 1.5571% per $100.00 of your assessed value. The tax notices include an example provided by Trustee Sean Driver on how the property taxes are calculated.

HOW TO FIGURE TAX BILL:

For 2026, the tax rate will be 1.5571% per $100.00 of your assessed value.

EXAMPLE: Appraisal Value is $175,000 X (Multiply) By 25% (Residential)=$43,750 Assessed Value X (Multiply) By Tax Rate @1.5571%=$ 681.00Tax Amount to Pay

“HARMONY AND PEACE FOR 2026. Whatever time you are hearing this or reading this announcement, it’s always a blessing to talk to the wonderful citizens of DeKalb County. Yes, it’s your DeKalb County Trustee, Sean Driver, reporting on the 2026 Property Tax Year. The 2026 property tax notices will be mailed out on September 30th for annual collection. I chose the color ‘PURPLE’ this year for one reason and that there to be harmony and peace for our blessed county and our blessed country. I hope we are inspired to have a genuine care to give to all individuals according to GOD’S purpose,” said Trustee Driver.

The Trustee’s office offers 6 different OPTIONS TO PAY your property tax:

1.) Come in person to the office to pay

2.) Mail in your payment

3.) Pay online, @ www.tnproptax.com then select DeKalb and follow the instructions to the next screens – Our Vendor, Local Government/citiSen portal, accepts Discover, MasterCard, or Visa.

The Vendor convenience fee of 2.50% on the total tax bill will apply and fees are subject to change using Credit/Debit Cards. Also, a $1.25 fee will be assessed on an E-CHECK (ACH payment) of any amount. DeKalb County does not collect any online payment fees. E-STATEMENTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED

4.) A QR (Quick Response Code) is also on your notice to access the website with your I-phone, smartphone, etc. @ www.tnproptax.com

5.) A Dropbox is located on the outside of the building at the County Complex (County Offices Section) for your convenience after hours and/or weekends.

6.) Partial Payments are accepted and you the taxpayer sets the amount to pay until full payment is satisfied.

DISCOUNTS

▲ Pay in October -- Receive 2% Discount

▲ Pay in November -- Receive 1% Discount

TAX RELIEF

A: The State of Tennessee offers qualified property owners Tax Relief on property taxes. This program was implemented in 1973 and the program will have a few changes every year. At this time, DeKalb County has 527 applicants on the program for 2026. So, as a property owner for 2026, you can qualify for Tax Relief if:

A.) Your DeKalb County home is your primary residence,

B.) You are 65 years old (or older) on or before December 31, 2026, or

C.) You are under 65 years of age with a totally and permanently disability per SSA or another qualifying agency, and last

D.) Your 2025 Annual Income of all living owners on the deed and their spouses that DID NOT exceed $38,470.00. If the State of Tennessee qualifies you for Tax Relief, then you can receive a rebate up to $131.00 for the 2026 tax year. You must pay your 2026 tax bill IN FULL to start the application process. Applications are handled, executed, and sent to the State of Tennessee by the Trustee’s office. BRING ONLY 2025 ANNUAL INCOME.

Also, the State of Tennessee offers Tax Relief to Disabled Veterans and the Surviving Spouses of a Disabled Veteran. You must provide proof from the Veteran’s Administration that you have a total and permanent disability rating that was service connected. You and your spouse will NOT have to report any amount of income to apply as a disabled veteran or the widow/er of a disabled veteran. If the State of Tennessee qualifies you as a disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran, then you can receive a rebate up to $681.00 for 2026.

TAX FREEZE

•Established through voters in the State of Tennessee through a referendum passage in 2007

•Program is only for ELDERLY – 65 years or older

•Income Limit (2025 Annual Income) is $38,470.00. Includes all owners on the property & spouses.

•Can only have Tax Freeze on your primary/principal residence.

•The TAX AMOUNT is Frozen. The property value, assessment, and tax rate are Not Frozen.

•You can apply or have both Tax Relief and Tax Freeze.

•Applications are administered and executed by the Trustee’s office.

•There are acreage limits that can be frozen.

The Trustee’s office will start accepting applications for the Tax Relief & Tax Freeze Programs on October 1, 2026 and will continue through April 5, 2027. If you would like to inquire more about a possible Tax Relief for property taxes or about the Tax Freeze Program, come by the County Complex in the Trustee’s office @ 732 S. Congress Blvd – Room 103, Smithville, TN 37166 or call @ 615-597-5176.

Until HIS purpose, Sean D. Driver, Trustee

Re-evaluating the jail issue

The 14- member county commission with eight new members met Monday night for the first time in regular monthly session since the election with some opinions and suggestions on how to move forward on a jail construction project.

The current plan, which has already been funded through a 12 year $35 million capital outlay note (loan) issued by the previous commission, is for a new 182 bed jail with a sheriff’s department complex on Smith Road. Although bids have not yet been let for construction to begin, the county has incurred costs of $1.8 million for the purchase of the 71.5 acre site, architectural fees, and loan payments, the first of which, $745,167 has already been made. Still, some new commissioners want to weigh other options including revisiting a possible new build at the existing jail location downtown.

At a recent meeting, Rick Bruin of Bell Construction informed County Mayor Patrick Ray and the County Commission that pre-bid estimates now put the price tag of the proposed new jail on Smith Road at more than $42 million, which is in excess of the $35 million allocated for the project.

During Monday night’s meeting, County Mayor Ray said he obtained an updated estimate from Bell on projected costs to build a 190- bed jail at the existing site downtown revised from the proposal presented two years ago. At the time, in 2024 Bell’s proposal downtown was for $69, 467, 500 to build a four-story stacked facility with courtrooms. Today, Bell reports that the price could still be as much as almost $65 million after adding 12% costs to the subtotal to build a two- story facility downtown without courtrooms at 2028 dollars (anticipated time of construction), not counting costs of purchasing adjoining property next to the existing jail if needed for construction.

Commissioner Steven Cantrell said he has spoken with Treanor Architects and based on that conversation, he said Treanor is willing to design a project that perhaps could fit on the existing jail site downtown. Cantrell made a motion to hold up on the current plan until Treanor comes back with a proposal and then for the county to schedule a public hearing to inform residents about it and get their input.

“I talked to Treanor and they are re-looking at the downtown jail site,” said Cantrell. “Treanor is looking at it from the perspective of, quote unquote, we were not told we could use all that property minus the education building, and what was (Tramel CPA Group) building which is right now empty. He (Treanor) looked at that, and he said, yes, we can build over where the water comes out (existing jail site) and he said just for the concept to do a real quick one (design), it would take about two hours with one of his specialists. So, before we decide to go forward with the Smith (Road) property, I think two things are required, I think, number one, we need to see what Treanor has but I think, to go forward with it at this time, without providing the public and the commissioners all the information we have, would be a mistake. My recommendation is that we wait, have what we promised the public, another public hearing so that they can hear what the options are, and I would recommend that we wait until Treanor can get back to us. We’re only talking about a few weeks and then we hold a public hearing so that everybody can have a chance to hear what Treanor proposes. If it (jail) is only two floors, (current jail site) there’s a possibility that the cost could be a lot less. That’s one location (existing jail site downtown), and then the other location, of course, is the Smith Road property, and there are ways to work around that property but I would really prefer that the public has a chance to hear what Treanor has to say because these are not our dollars. These are the taxpayers’ dollars, and that we move forward based on what they (public) wish. So, I make a motion that we wait until Treanor can get back to us with their updated plan for downtown and then we have a public hearing so that this information can be shared with the public,” said Commissioner Cantrell.

Commissioner Judith Hale offered an amendment to Cantrell’s motion to make it clear that any estimates or bids provided by Treanor or Bell be non-binding in the county commission’s deliberations and she went further asking that the county owned property near the solid waste transfer station off East Broad Street also be considered with an architectural review and cost estimates as an option for a new jail. In the meantime, actual bids will be sought, but not awarded, for the current plan still on the table at Smith Road including the entire 182 bed jail/sheriff’s department complex, along with two other cost cutting options; to eliminate the sheriff’s department complex from the plan and reduce the 182 number of beds; or to drop both the sheriff’s department complex, reduce the bed count, and eliminate one of the recreation yards from the plans.

Both Hale’s amendment and Cantrell’s motion as amended were adopted on a 9-to-5 vote with Commissioners Judith Hale, Mathias Anderson, Steven Cantrell, Bradley Hendrix, Bruce Parsley, Greg Matthews, Randy Slager, Myron Rhody, and Don Rigsby voting yes and Commissioners Andy Pack, Tony (Cully) Culwell, Danny Adamson, Daniel Cripps, and Anthony Fuller voting no. Fuller passed on the amendment.

Seniors Tucker Webb and Lillie Young have been named Mr. and Miss DeKalb County High School for 2026-27

Tucker is the 17-year-old son of Tad and Tracy Webb and Lillie’s parents are Michael and Crystal Young. Lillie is also 17 years old.

DCHS teachers nominate students, girls and boys, for the honor and then the whole school votes for Mr. and Miss DCHS.

“It’s something I’ve always dreamed of getting. I feel like it’s a really big title and it’s an honor to get it,” said Tucker on his being named Mr. DCHS.

Tucker is a member of the DCHS football and baseball teams as well as the BETA, FBLA, and Science clubs. Webb is a four year captain of the Tiger football team where he plays middle linebacker and tight end and on the baseball squad Tucker plays at 2nd and 3rd base.

As for future plans after high school, Tucker said he wants to go to Tennessee Tech University and to further his education to become a land surveyor.

Lillie said she is also honored to have been selected Miss DCHS. “I’ve dreamed of getting this distinction since my freshman year and even in eighth grade. I love that the student body voted for me,” she said.

Lillie is an athlete on the DCHS girls basketball team and a three year football cheerleader. She is a member of BETA, FBLA, Science club, and Service Society.

Young’s future plans are to attend Vol State Community College and to study to become an ultrasound tech.

The 2026 Homecoming Queen at DeKalb County High School is Summer Poss, a Senior and 17 year old daughter of John Poss and Jessica Bogle of Smithville.

Summer is a member of HOSA and FFA clubs and the DCHS soccer team. Her future plans are to attend MTSU to study animal science and become a veterinarian technician

The announcement was made last week at DCHS. Homecoming Spirit Week Activities will be September 28 to October 2 including a Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 2 from the school to downtown and the DCHS Homecoming Football Game against York Institute Friday night, October 2 at 7 p.m.

The Homecoming Attendants are:

*Senior Attendant: Kenadee Prichard, 17 year old daughter of Luke and Jodie Prichard of Alexandria. Kenadee is a member of the BETA, FBLA, SGA, Spanish club, and Service Society. She is to earn an Associates Degree at Motlow through the dual enrollment program and later attend Tennessee Tech University to pursue a business degree

*Senior Attendant – Miah Johnson of Smithville, 17 year old daughter of Bobby and Sydney Johnson and Brandon and Kelsey Pyles. Miah is in the Science, FBLA and Social Society clubs. She is also a football cheerleader. Her plans are to attend college and one day become a dentist.

*Junior Attendant- Lola Colwell, 17 year old daughter of Chad and Deana Colwell of Smithville. She is a football cheerleader, member of FBLA, HOSA, Science, and Student Government club. After high school Lola plans to attend college and pursue a career in business sales.

*Sophomore Attendant- Lillie Williams of Smithville, 16 year old daughter of Josh and Mary Williams. Lillie is a member of the BETA and Science club and she is a football and basketball cheerleader. She wants to one day become a cosmetologist and have her own business.

*Freshman Attendant- Hailey Brown, 14 year old daughter of Brad and Cassie Brown of Alexandria. She is a football and basketball cheerleader and a member of the softball team. Her plans are to attend college and become a radiation therapist..

A celebration of the arts!

The 5th Historic Smithville Art Walk Saturday drew many art lovers to downtown for a stroll through the streets as artists showcased their work, musicians performed, and local businesses welcomed them for a lively afternoon and evening in the heart of the city. The event was sponsored by the Smithville Merchant’s Alliance and other local businesses.

Among the 38 vendors were painters, potters, woodworkers, jewelry makers, lots of other incredible artists along with LIVE open air musical entertainment by Marguerite Beane, Kenny Greenberg, SALT (Sean Makhuli) and Tony Luna, and a student band from Baxter who performed on stage inside Button Willow General Store and Coffee shop

Beane is a musician, composer, and vocal coach. Kenny Greenberg is an award-winning Nashville guitarist, producer and songwriter whose credits include Kenny Chesney, Bob Segar, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and many more. SALT is the artist project of Sean Makhuli, and Tony Luna is a self-taught harmonica player, a longtime musician and performer who is now part of his church’s praise and worship band.

Randy Caldwell, downtown business owner, thanked the sponsors of the 5th Historic Art Walk and presented works of art for public display to DeKalb County Mayor Patrick Ray and Smithville Mayor Beth Chandler

“We want to recognize our sponsors and those who have done a lot of volunteer work and the Merchant’s Alliance who put this together and who have invested money in this event. Our goal today was also to hand over a couple of public art projects that we did in the last couple artworks that the public participated in creating. Local artist Karen Walker finished those up so we handed those over to the county and the city to find those places where they could be displayed so that the public could enjoy those pieces,” said Caldwell.

Step into a day where creativity comes alive at the 5th Historic Smithville Art Walk on Saturday, September 26, an annual celebration that has quickly become one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events.

Featuring 38 talented local and regional artists, this vibrant gathering invites you to discover original artwork, meet the creators behind it, and experience the energy of a thriving artistic community.

From 3.00pm to 8.00PM, downtown Smithville transforms into a lively open-air gallery filled with color, music, and inspiration. Stroll through a diverse showcase of styles—from traditional artisans to bold contemporary pieces—you’re sure to find something that speaks to you.

Sherry Elkins, artist and downtown business owner, said this year’s Art Walk has grown and expanded to other downtown streets.

“We’ve expanded it to the whole downtown square this year, down West Walnut, College Street, and West Main Street, connecting through John Anderson Alley. We have 38 artists signed up. We have painters, potters, woodworkers, jewelry makers, lots of incredible artists. We have a food truck. Of course several restaurants will be open downtown. Its usually just on West Main and up College Street, but all the downtown businesses said they have benefited so much from it, we decided to expand it to the rest of downtown just to make it a community event. All the shops do special things for the art walk so check them out too as you’re walking around,” said Elkins.

The Art Walk will also feature LIVE entertainment

“Marguerite Beane is a phenomenal jazz artist. She will be on West Walnut starting at 5 PM. but before that, since the event starts at 3 PM, Tony Luna has some friends and great artists coming from Nashville and he’s going to join on playing harmonica. They will be playing in front of Tony Luna’s office at 3 PM They’ll play from 3 to 5 and then Marguerite Beane will start at 5 PM on West Walnut. We also have a really cool student group from Baxter playing at Button Willow starting at 5 PM. The new owners of Button Willow have put in these really cool windows that fold open, so they’ll have the Baxter student band playing inside the window there with the windows open. Some of them play for the Nashville Jazz Club. They’re very talented students, and this is their 1st gig, so they’re very excited. They’ve been practicing and they’ll start at 5 on West Main at Button Willow General Store and Coffee Shop,” said Elkins.

Whether you’re searching for your next favorite piece, looking to support local artists, and artisans or simply planning a memorable day out, the Art Walk offers an experience you won’t want to miss.

Come explore, connect, and be inspired.