Long-Serving DeKalb Lawyer Spent Career Wanting To Make Difference
One former DeKalb County lawyer made her career out of a desire to help her community. Sue Puckett-Jernigan was a lawyer in DeKalb County for more than 36 years. She started working at the county clerk’s office as a senior in high school and then as a legal secretary as an adult. “I have worked […]
Smithville’s First H.L England Memorial Bass Tournament
Smithville’s first H.L England Memorial Bass Tournament accepting entries for the July 31st competition. Tournament Director Buryl Shirley said fishing runs throughout the night at Center Hill Lake’s Ragland Bottom starting at 7:00 p.m. “H.L passed away last year sort of suddenly from COVID, and he just sort of just been a pioneer in the […]
Dekalb Co. Animal Shelter To Ask County For More Assistance
Dekalb County Animal Shelter will go before the county commission to ask for more assistance next week. Assistant Director Emmaly Bennett said that they are still providing services to all of Dekalb County, but that the city of Smithville covers the cost of employees and building upkeep. “We’re still in the process of trying to […]
Smithville’s New Police Department Building Nearly Complete
Smithville anticipates the city’s new Police Department Building to be completed in mid-August. Mayor Josh Miller said police officers will greatly benefit from the much needed space. “They have about 800 square feet to work in right now, and they are about to move in to a 12,000 square foot facility,” Miller said. “A lot […]
Dekalb School System Pushing For Employee Raises Across The Board
The Dekalb County School System is taking a budget that includes raises throughout the school system to the county commission. Director of Schools Patrick Cripps said he believes $5,000 raises for teachers and $3,000 for support staff is possible due to how the budget has been managed. Cripps said the competition for quality educators keeps […]
Dekalb County Jail To Be Studied For Expansion Possibilities
A decision on whether to expand or build a new Dekalb County Jail is coming for the county commission. Sheriff Patrick Ray said the Tennessee Corrections Institute found the jail’s square footage was not up to standards during an inspection last year. Ray said the pandemic set back a CTAS feasibility study while beds are […]
T-DOT Targeting I-40 Smithville Exit Repairs For Late 2021
T-DOT hopes to award the Highway 56 overpass bridge repair project in the fall. The damage along Interstate 40 is from a truck striking a beam on the bridge at the Smithville exit several weeks ago. T-DOT Spokesperson Rae Anne Bradley said there is no expectation that repairs could close any interstate lanes. “Our goal […]
Dekalb School System Partners With Tech To Find Local Teachers
The Dekalb County School System is partnering with Tennessee Tech to train teachers for the classroom. Director of Schools Patrick Cripps said Tech reached out and the system was more than interested in participating in the Grow Your Own program. Cripps said this program is a huge benefit being in a rural area. “There’s a, […]
Smithville Pool Opening For Residents Excited To Beat The Heat
Smithville residents have a chance to beat the heat this summer with the city pool opening Friday. Pool Manager Jeania Cawthorn said there will be options for all ages and needs this year at the Smithville Golf Course and Pool. She said the pool was open last year but turnout was low. “It was a […]
Dekalb County HS Principal Steps Down After Two Decades In System
Dekalb County High School Principal Randy Jennings has stepped down after 26 years in education. Director of schools Patrick Cripps said he and Jennings go back together as administrators for over a decade. Cripps said Jennings was someone he could count on to bounce ideas and provide a steady force in the system. “You don’t […]
