Arrests Made Involving Human Smuggling, Child Labor
Two arrested on Wednesday following an investigation into a human smuggling and child labor trafficking operation at a Smithville market and restaurant. 18-year-old Joshua Hernandez-Morales has been charged with a count of Trafficking for Forced Labor or Services. 52-year-old Marcelino Diaz-Decena has been charged with a count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. According to […]
Michael Shaw Takes Over as DeKalb County Head Coach
A familiar face is officially stepping into the top job at DeKalb County High School. Michael Shaw, a longtime assistant and former Tiger himself, accepted the role of head football coach on Tuesday, marking a new era for a program he has helped build for more than a decade. Shaw has served DeKalb County in […]
Smithville Christmas On Square Boosts Spending, Spirit
Saturday marks the 24th Annual Smithville Christmas on the Square, a chance to celebrate community and boost tourism. Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Williams said event is a labor of love, with county officials, volunteers and local businesses pitching in to produce the seasonal occasion. “Oh it’s a great benefit for small […]
DeKalb Jail Granted Certification From TCI Board
The DeKalb County Jail has been granted continued certification after a recent meeting with the Tennessee Corrections Institute Board of Control. The board reviewed the county’s plan of action for the new jail facility before granting certification. Jail Committee Chairman Larry Green said coming out of the meeting, the county needs to keep following its […]
DeKalb Approves New Sex Offender Notification System
DeKalb County will establish a notification system to alert residents whenever a registered sex offender moves into the county. Commissioner Greg Matthews proposed the notification system after a registered sex offender moved into the area. Matthews said he and several other commissioners received complaints about the resolution; however, all of the complaints were from people […]
Former 31st District Attorney Next Court Appearance 2027
Former 31st Judicial District Attorney Chris Stanford did not appear in court Monday on reckless endangerment charges. Stanford had a scheduled court appearance on Monday, which would have been the plea deadline. Stanford did not appear as part of an agreement, according to DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk Susan Martin. The full details of the […]
New Public Safety Facility Will Help Lake, Rural Communities
DeKalb County plans to build a public safety building near Center Hill Dam to meet the demand for quicker emergency service response times. County Mayor Matt Adcock said the Wolf Creek Public Safety Building will be placed at the entrance of the dam. Adcock said the building will allow emergency services to address safety risks […]
DeKalb County Girls Basketball Embracing New Outlook
The DeKalb County Tigers are entering the new basketball season with a refreshed mindset and a hunger to compete. Head Coach Brandy Alley said the change in district alignment and a chance to reassess her roster has created a noticeable shift in the team’s approach. “I’ve just learned how much they’re just ready for this […]
DeKalb’s Boyd Finishes Junior Season With State Appearance
DeKalb County Girls Golfer Chloe Boyd closed out her junior campaign with a major achievement: A third consecutive trip to the TSSAA State Championship. Boyd punched her ticket to state with a fifth place finish in the Region 4A tournament, continuing a streak she held ever since the first time she swung a club at […]
DeKalb Needs More Volunteer Firefighters For All Stations
The DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department is seeking volunteer firefighters to help strengthen its numbers at all of the county’s fire stations. DeKalb County Fire Chief Donny Green said currently, the department has 84 volunteers to man 12 fire stations. Green said in his opinion, that is not enough. “You know, their availability has to […]
