WJLE Radio

10/06/2025

The DeKalb County Fire Department (DCFD) celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday during an afternoon ceremony at the Main Station and Training Center on King Ridge Road.

Members of the community joined in the observance enjoying cake, giveaways, and door prizes as the department paid tribute to its founders, 52 honorary lifetime members, and applauded volunteers who serve today.

The DCFD has had seven chiefs in its 50-year history including Columbus Haley from 1979-82; Robert Rowe from 1983-84; Charles Griffith in 1985; RV Billings, Jr. in 1986; Larry Evans from 1987-88; Mike Johnson from 1989-94; and the present Chief Donny Green who has served for 31 years.

State Representative Michael Hale presented Chief Donny Green with a proclamation honoring the DeKalb Fire Department’s 50 years as adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly along with a Tennessee State Flag flown over the capitol

Lou Nave, Congressman John Rose’s field representative, spoke in his absence and announced that the Department of Homeland Security “will soon be making available to your fire department $145,773 in a grant for personal protective gear to keep you safer as you go out into the community”.

Chamber Director Suzanne Williams presented the DeKalb Fire Department a 50 year milestone award.

Founded in 1975 through the Model Cities Grant initiative, the DCFD began with five stations and has grown to 12 across the county, with planning underway for a 13th in the Wolf Creek community.

The DCFD is one of the few county-wide fire systems in Tennessee, staffed entirely by volunteers—83 strong—alongside one shared part-time position and 12 Rehab members. Despite having no full-time paid personnel, the department continues to set the standard for excellence. For the 17th consecutive year, DCFD was recognized as an Elite Department for Training Achievement by the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy. Out of 732 departments statewide, DeKalb County ranked #15 overall—and #1 among all volunteer fire departments.

Jason Sparks, Fire Program Director for the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy presented the DCFD an Elite Department certificate for Training Achievement recognizing its having accumulating 2,813 hours of training this past year.

The program Saturday featured displays and pictorial memorabilia from over the decades as well as county fire trucks and other apparatus from units across the county that were lined up in front of the main station for the public to view.

10/06/2025

“Father Father, We don’t need to escalate, You see, war is not the answer, For only Love can conquer hate” - Marvin Gay
Under the cover of October skies, a party train rolled into town on Friday afternoon and ignited our souls as 🎶 Bizz & Everyday People took us on a musical roller coaster: the finale at the Harvester was a truly unforgettable experience! The combination of classic Motown hits and the energy of a 10-piece band like Bizz created a vibrant atmosphere. From Bill Withers to Beyoncé, the music appeals to a wide audience, creating a sense of connection among attendees.
As the evening was coming to a close, the Church of Bizz was not complete for as the band was striking the stage, Bizz picked up the mic and serenaded the already uplifted crowd and he sent us all home with a message that we can all embrace : a change is going to come.
“It’s been a long…A Long time coming, but I know, A change gon’ come, Oh yes, it will” - Sam Cooke
👉 Thank you all for your support over the years — let’s keep the spirit of this wonderful town alive! Here’s to new beginnings and endless music!
James Bert Driver, Proprietor - Harvester Event Center - Smithville, Tennessee
Read the recap: https://bertdriver.com/event-gallery-3/bizz-2025

10/05/2025

(UPDATE) Sheriff Patrick Ray has released an update on an officers involved shooting that occurred Saturday night at Alexandria in which one man died.

According to the Sheriff’s statement “Saturday evening two officers with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department were involved in an Officer Involved shooting. Two Deputies were attempting to serve a court ordered warrant on 48-year-old Gary Ray Ashford of Goodner LN Alexandria. During the arrest Ashford produced a weapon and came towards the deputies and the deputies shot Ashford. Ashford was pronounced dead at the scene. The District Attorney’s Office was notified. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting”

Sheriff Ray expresses his appreciation to the Smithville Police Department for sending officers as backup during Saturday night’s incident.

10/03/2025

When will construction begin on the new elementary school?

Although nothing appears to be happening so far on the site in terms of excavation, etc. plenty of work has apparently been taking place behind the scenes with the architect and others in preparation for the eventual construction which could start by the spring of 2026.

According to Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, who spoke with WJLE Wednesday, the topographical study is now complete which shows the site suitable for construction of the school. The next step, he said will be for the Board of Education in November to get a report from Brian Templeton of Upland Design Group, the school board’s architect for the project, to be followed by a construction manager search.

“I know it doesn’t look like much is being done because dirt is not being moved but we have had surveyors and engineers come in, do tests and look at the site,” said Director Cripps.

“Brian Templeton from Upland Design has informed us that the topographical survey is complete. Templeton said his team is currently refining the site design with new information from the survey and an updated schematic design package is being prepared to present to the school board in early November,” explained Director Cripps.

“In November, he (Templeton) will come and give (school board) an update on the topographical survey. The project will be the same lay out as planned and it will show where the school will be placed on the site. We will then look at the board approving us to go forward with Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) in search of a construction manager to help with the design process, layout and to start the bidding process. A committee will help select that (construction manager). Hopefully we can start moving dirt by March or April,” said Director Cripps.

The primary purpose of a topographical survey is to create a base map that can be used for planning and design. This information is crucial for:

Site Design: Architects and engineers use topographical surveys to understand the terrain and plan structures accordingly.

Land Development: Developers rely on these surveys to assess the suitability of land for construction projects.

Environmental Assessments: Surveys help in evaluating the impact of proposed developments on the natural environment.

The plan is to build a new 800 student Pre-K to 2nd grade elementary school to replace the existing Smithville Elementary complex. The construction will be on property adjacent to Northside Elementary School.

County Mayor Matt Adcock told WJLE Wednesday he is pleased that the school project is moving forward.

“DeKalb County is excitedly anticipating the construction of the new Smithville Elementary School. The County Commission has passed the bond resolution to provide funding for the new project. After the adoption of the bond resolution, DeKalb County Government serves only in a supportive role in the position of the construction of the facility. Upon request of the Director of Schools the funding will be provided. The funding will be in accordance with the resolution passed by the County Commission,” said County Mayor Adcock.

“I would like to express my appreciation for all of the city municipalities that have participated in this project. This project was only made possible because of the great collaboration amongst the cities, the county, and the school board. The local option sales tax agreement that was extended provided for the funding needed to bring the project to fruition. DeKalb County, the City of Smithville, the City of Dowelltown, the City of Liberty, the City of Alexandria, and the school board have all contributed to this new school facility, and I believe the impact will be profound. We look forward to seeing the inception of the project as well as its completion. DeKalb County Government remains supportive and enthusiastic for the new school,” said County Mayor Adcock.

In March the county commission voted to adopt a detailed bond resolution not to exceed $55 million to fund construction of the new school. The term of the bond is for up to 30 years. The projected cost to build the new 124,207 square foot facility at the latest estimate is $53,414,825.

The new school will be funded only by revenues from local option sales tax money (local purpose/sinking fund) designated for school construction and operation. There will be no need for a property tax increase for this project because the county will not be allocating any property tax money to fund it.

All four municipalities, Alexandria, Smithville, Liberty, and Dowelltown earlier this year voted to extend their local option sales tax agreements through the year 2055 in partnership with the county and Board of Education to ensure that funding remains in place for long term debt payment for new school construction. The previous sales tax agreements between the cities and county were to have expired on July 16, 2037.

Under those agreements, the cities turn over to the county for schools a greater percentage of their local option sales tax collections than they would otherwise be required to do. That money goes into what is called the Local Purpose Tax Fund/Sinking Fund to help fund school operation and school debt. Officials said the county must be able to count on that extra sales tax money coming in from the cities over the life of a 30-year bond up to $55 million in order to cover the costs of a new school without having to use or raise property taxes to fund it.

The existing Smithville Elementary School, originally built in 1958, is 70,557 square feet in size (including additions over the years)., and had an enrollment of 551 students as of August 2025. As far back as 2017, a facilities study by Upland Design Group, concluded that the school, which had mold and other concerns at that time, should be replaced and repurposed for other uses.

According to Upland, the school board’s architect, the new Pre-K to 2nd grade Smithville Elementary School will be 124,207 square feet in size and will be designed to accommodate 800 students with room for future expansion to house up to 300 additional students (1,100) total. The school will be built with 11 classrooms for each grade level of kindergarten, first, and second grade (33 classrooms for 20 students each) along with seven Pre-K classrooms for 20 students each plus four CDC/SPED classrooms as needed. The future expansion will accommodate 15 new classrooms at 20 students each. There will be 189 parking spaces on the campus.

09/30/2025

It’s happened again

Less than three months after taking on the position, Jerry Jared of Jared & Jared Attorneys in Cookeville has resigned as the Town of Alexandria’s legal representative.

WJLE contacted the Jared & Jared law firm Tuesday morning, and they confirmed the resignation.

When a new city attorney is named by the Alexandria Mayor and Aldermen it will be the fourth since last November when longtime Alexandria City Attorney Vester Parsley resigned. He was later replaced by Attorney Matt Boss but he stepped down in March. Jared became the city attorney in July.

Jerry’s son Matthew met with the Alexandria Mayor and Aldermen during their last meeting a week ago.

At the meeting when Jared was hired July 1, Mayor Jeff Ford described the duties of the city attorney in the town’s charter and the pay he is to receive.

“In our charter in SECTION 3.03 for Town Attorney. The Board shall appoint a Town Attorney, and such Assistant Town Attorneys as may be authorized by ordinance. The Town Attorney, or an Assistant Town Attorney designated by such Town Attorney, shall be responsible for representing and defending the town in all litigation in which the town is a party; attending all meetings of the Board; advising the Board, Mayor and other officers and employees of the town concerning legal aspects of their duties and responsibilities; approving as to form and legality all contracts, deeds, bonds, ordinances, resolutions, motions, and other official documents; and performing such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board,” said Mayor Ford.

“We offered Jerry the same rates as Matt Boss which was a retainer fee of $300 per month and an hourly rate of $200,” added Mayor Ford.

The Alexandria Mayor and Aldermen have apparently not yet made a decision on a successor to Jared

09/27/2025

***NOTE*** All Previously Scheduled Events at the Harvester for October will be held as planned. The Harvester remains open through the end of October.

The Harvester Event Center will be handing over the keys to Smithville First Baptist Church after owner Bert Driver approached the church about buying his business. Smithville FBC was planning to build a two-story building next to the church’s L.E.C. to accommodate the congregation’s growth.

“After looking at the property and doing a little bit of research, we felt like this was a better fit for us,” Pastor Chad Ramsey said. “We took a season of prayer to make sure this is what God wanted. It was a God thing for this door to open up for us.”

Closing on the Harvester is expected to take place the end of October.

“On November 1, we will be able to be in there,” Ramsey says. “Our hope and plan is to make some slight adjustments and modifications to be fully using the facility somewhere in late December or early January.”

In 2021, lightning struck the church’s main building, destroying the lights and sound system in the sanctuary. Since then, worship services have been held in the L.E.C. that the church also shares to help many community groups. Small Bible study Sunday groups continue to meet in other parts of the old chapel, but in recent years Smithville FBC has enjoyed great growing pains. As a result, part of the church has borrowed space for more groups to meet Sundays at some nearby local businesses.

Buying the Harvester gives the church a couple of better options.

“We’re still going to be able to build a really fantastic children’s space, and a one-story building next to our L.E.C.,” Ramsey said. “Purchasing the Harvester keeps us from having to build a second floor to that building. We can if we want to, but it just allows us to have more space available that we can use for different options. It also allows us to speed up the time of getting into everything by only building one floor instead of two floors.”

As part of the purchase plan, the church is buying 60 nearby parking spaces, most of which are adjacent to the church property. A groundbreaking date to begin construction on the new building has not been decided.

09/26/2025

Open for business!

For the first time ever DeKalb County has its own part-time building codes inspector.

Davey Horton, a certified inspector was recently hired by the county to take on the job after the program was funded in the 2025-26 fiscal year budget. Horton has experience in the job. He also serves as a certified building inspector for the City of McMinnville

Horton told WJLE this week that his office is located in room 103 of the courthouse at the former location of the election commission. Part of the week, Horton will be in the office and the rest of the time will be reserved for inspections.

“You can come by the office Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. I do inspections on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday,” said Horton.

Up until now, builders in the county have obtained their permits online through the state with the state getting all the revenue from them. Establishing its own building permit system allows the county to collect fees on inspections of new construction rather than the state. Under the program for his part time pay, Horton gets 65% of revenues collected from building permits issued with the remaining 35% going to the county as revenue. Horton serves as a 1099 employee and receives no county benefits.

To initiate the program, the county commission earlier this year passed a resolution adopting the current state 2018 International Residential building codes for the county to go by before hiring Horton as the part time building inspector to administer the program. The county was also required to submit to the state a completed 14-page survey which was followed by an audit to ensure local compliance. Audits are done every three years.

“John Pleasant was the auditor who came out to check us out,” Horton told WJLE. “What he did is make sure our resolution read correctly and that we had all the verbage to enforce it correctly. He checked out my certification to make sure I am properly qualified to do the job and then he gave us the authority to perform the inspections,” he said.

Horton explained how he will be able to serve the public in DeKalb County.

“My job is to verify every stage of construction and that all safety measures have been met,” Horton explained. “I want to check out your footer. I want to check out your foundation wall. I want to check out your floor system and then we will go to rough framing, rough plumbing, rough mechanical, and then we will hit your final inspection,” said Horton. “My focus is mainly buildings that will be occupied. If you have a new house you are wanting to build you would come to me (for a building permit). New businesses and commercial buildings would also come to me. If people are building a garage, deck or things of that nature, no permit is required but I am here to answer any questions where I can,” he said.

Agricultural buildings will also be exempt from building permit fees.

“What that means is farmers who are building hay barns, storage buildings, or something along those lines, I don’t need you to come in and pay for a permit but I do want you to come and pull a permit,” said Horton

Electrical inspections will still be done by the state.

“We decided to allow the electrical to remain with the state so nothing will change as far as that goes,” explained Horton. “Folks already familiar with the process up until now knew you had to pull a building permit and an electrical permit with the state. The only difference now is the building permits will come through the county and the electrical permits will still be handled by the state”.

“Our blanket (building permit) fee is $1.00 per square foot for new builds and for renovations it will be 50 cents per square foot. Those costs will cover everything from the permit, plan review, to the finalization of the permit. There won’t be any surprise new inspection fees or charges for a final inspection,” said Horton.

Projects over $25,000 still need a licensed contractor.

“In the state of Tennessee you are allowed every two years to be your own contractor on your home. For example, if a young couple has a lot they want to build a home on they can be their own contractor on that property and subcontract out all the work. If any work exceeds $25,000 including a renovation or addition that requires a licensed contractor to ensure everything is as to code as it possibly can be so you have the coverage you need from contractors being licensed and insured if anything were to go wrong within that construction,” said Horton.

The City of Smithville has its own building codes inspector so Horton will not be issuing permits for any projects in the city.

To obtain a county building permit or for more information call Horton at 615-215-2633. You may email him at [email protected] or make contact on facebook

09/24/2025

09/22/2025

WJLE

09/22/2025

A suspect wanted in an Overton County double homicide was captured after a manhunt Sunday in DeKalb County.

27-year-old Payton Nations of Cookeville is facing charges in the case.

Sheriff Patrick Ray released the following statement:

“On Sunday September 21, 2025 at 12:19 pm, DeKalb Central Dispatch received a call at Austin Bottom Lake Access of a man pushing a vehicle into the lake. The caller advised the subject pushed the vehicle into the lake and then ran on foot. The caller was able to secure the vehicle from sinking into the lake.”.

“DeKalb and Putnam County Deputies arrived at the Austin Lake Road Lake Access and found there was a BE-ON-THE-LOOKOUT (BOLO) out of Overton County in connection with a double homicide in that county”.

“A manhunt then ensued with multiple agencies by searching land, water and air. A reverse 911 call was made to local residents around the Austin Bottom area of DeKalb County stating to BE-ON-THE-LOOKOUT for the suspect. DeKalb County Sheriff’s Detectives were able to obtain camera footage of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle around multiple houses in the area. A clothing description was found and also the suspect’s direction of travel”.

“At approximately 5:30 pm, a motorist spotted what who they thought to be the suspect walking around Hurricane Bridge. A second 911 reverse call was made to local residents around the Hurricane Bridge area to BE-ON-THE-LOOKOUT for the suspect”.

“At approximately 6:00 pm, a call was made from a resident who lives on Old Baxter Rd. in Putnam County about a subject walking who fit the description of the suspect. An officer from the Tennessee Highway Patrol spotted the suspect and took him into custody without incident”.

“The suspect is said to be 27-year-old Payton Nations of Cookeville TN”.

“I wish to thank our law enforcement partners, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, Overton County Sheriff’s Department, DeKalb County Constable, DeKalb Central Dispatch, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation,” said Sheriff Ray

“I also want to thank both citizens of DeKalb and Putnam Counties and passing motorists for all their help with the apprehension of Nations,” he said.

09/21/2025

Its been two years since the Tennessee Department of Transportation gave the green light for the installation of red lights at the intersection of Highway 70 & 83 (New Home/Allen Ferry Road) near Kilgore’s Restaurant and Bizee Mart.

TDOT approved the project after conducting a traffic study at the busy and dangerous intersection.

In an August interview with WJLE, State Representative Michael Hale said while the $150,000 project has already been funded federally it still may be a while before the traffic lights are installed.

“One of the biggest questions I get asked is about the red light by Kilgore’s and Bizee Mart at Allen’s Ferry and Highway 70,” said Hale.”Sain and Associates were onsite a couple of weeks ago doing some of their final work and they will be submitting that. I was with TDOT at a meeting last Friday to get some updates. Once they (Sain) get all that done it (project) will be assigned to a project manager with TDOT at the district office in Chattanooga. Then they will have to determine if it needs any right of way purchases or if it can fit on the current state right of way. They (TDOT) are hoping to give me more concrete dates as to when all of this happens once they get the report back from Sain and Associates which is usually 30-45 days so sometime in September they should receive that and then we will have more information. If they don’t have to acquire any right of way it will move much quicker. Often we think if a red light is needed they should just put it up but studies and work have to go into that. This (project) qualified for a federal safety grant so $150,000 to fund it is coming from federal dollars which has been approved but its just the process of getting there. I have been told by TDOT and others that the project on Highway 111 at I-40 in Cookeville took about five years to get going so they said we’re right in line with what it normally takes to make these things happen,” said Representative Hale.

Over the years this intersection has become a hot spot for car crashes including at least one fatality even with caution lights there. An 83-year-old woman died in a wreck there in April 2015 (photo shown here). Both County Mayor Matt Adcock and Smithville Mayor Josh Miller sent letters in January, 2023 to State Senator Janice Bowling, State Representative Michael Hale, and officials of the Tennessee Department of Transportation to make a formal request for the red lights. TDOT responded that a traffic study would first have to be conducted to determine a need for the lights.

09/20/2025

For years state highway 83, also known as Allen Ferry Road between Highway 70 west and Highway 56 north, has been known as an unsafe corridor where many crashes including fatalities have occurred. Making improvements to any road takes time and planning and it could yet be years before TDOT is prepared to widen or add shoulders on Allen Ferry Road. But the effort has to start somewhere, sometime.

During Monday night’s meeting the county commission will consider adopting a resolution in support of DeKalb County’s application for a Transportation Planning Grant which if approved would fund a study to address safety, traffic flow, and future growth of this particular corridor. The grant would require no local match.

At Thursday night’s county commission workshop, County Mayor Matt Adcock said he and State Representative Michael Hale support the move.

‘I have requested several times to get that (Allen Ferry Road) on an RPO (Rural Planning Organization) list to have that road widened with shoulders and maybe even some turning lanes in certain places if it allows and is safe to do so. It at least needs shoulders,” said County Mayor Adcock. “Michael Hale and I have been working on it. I appreciate him (Representative Hale) and his support to help us with the project. We did get it on the RPO list and its in motion, but they (TDOT) told us it would still be years down the road before it could ever come to fruition. I talked to our Upper Cumberland Development District planner and asked him if there was anything else we could do to speed up this process. He said we could apply for a Transportation Planning Grant. It’s a non-matching grant. If your road qualifies it puts the preliminary process in motion planning what the road would look like and if it would have turning lanes and shoulders and how much easement would be needed. I requested to apply for that grant but of course it would need your (county commission) approval. This is a resolution of support for that grant so if you pass it we can go ahead and apply for it,” said County Mayor Adcock.

State Representative Hale earlier spoke with WJLE.

“The state has set up some money through TDOT to do these studies to look at certain roads and the safety side of it. Sometimes by doing that study, if it qualifies from a safety standpoint then we can also get federal dollars in addition to our normal funding that will help move the project forward. Basically, what the county is doing (by approving the grant application) is saying we support getting this study done to see what can be done. TDOT has told me over and over again this is not a project where we can do just a few things to make the road safer. This is a full-blown right of way acquisition and a true road widening involving millions of dollars. Its not an overnight process. Its going to take time to get done. This is just one of the steps (grant funded study) to get this road more seriously looked at up the chain at TDOT”, said Representative Hale.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) established Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs) to enhance the development of rural transportation projects across the state. RPOs allow local leaders to consider multi-modal transportation needs and review both long-term and short-term funding priorities. They assist TDOT in developing comprehensive transportation plans and provide a forum for public participation in the planning process. Additionally, RPOs are responsible for coordinating transportation planning in Tennessee’s twelve RPO areas.

The proposed resolution of support for the Transportation Planning Grant to be considered by the county commission Monday night states as follows:

WHEREAS, DeKalb County recognizes the importance of improving transportation infrastructure to serve residents, businesses, and visitors; and

WHEREAS, State Route 83 (SR 83) is a key corridor in DeKalb County, and a study is needed to address safety, traffic flow, and future growth; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Transportation Planning Grant provides an opportunity to complete a professional corridor study of SR 83;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that DeKalb County supports applying for a TDOT Transportation Planning Grant to conduct a corridor study of SR 83; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that DeKalb County will adopt the final plan by resolution upon its completion.