DeKalb Angel Tree, Inc. Accepting Applications

The DeKalb County Angel Tree, Inc is accepting applications for the 15th Annual Angel Tree Project through Friday, October 29th.

Spokesperson Laura Stone said changes have been made to the application process for this year." Applications can be picked up October 25th through October 29th. You will still pick up your applications at the Department of Human Services, but one of the changes will be that the application must be returned in person the following week to the 303 Building."

"Completed applications will have to be returned to the 303 Building in downtown Smithville (the old Lavelle's Building) on one of the following days; Tuesday, November 2nd from 5 until 8, Wednesday, November 3rd from noon until 6 or Thursday, November 4th from 5 until 8. Applications not returned to the 303 Building on one of these three dates WILL NOT be accepted. There are no exceptions to the requirements of the application process", said Stone.

"Applications can only be picked up at the Department of Human Services on October 25th through October 29th and can only be returned to the 303 Building on the dates listed. In addition to bringing the completed application, applicants must provide photo identification of the person applying and social security cards and birth certificates for ALL children listed on the application. We will only be keeping the application; all other documents will be returned to the applicant. If an applicant cannot appear in person, their application can be submitted by a family member as long as all of the required information is presented."

"Eligible children must live in DeKalb County and be no older than age 12 by December 25, 2010. The Department of Human Services will only be passing out the applications. Nothing will be returned to them and any questions should be directed to Laura Stone at 615.597.5060"

Stone adds that "the Angel Tree has been such a tremendous success in the past and with economic times extremely tough for many in our area, we want this years Angel Tree to be no exception. The Angel Tree helps so many families who are struggling to make ends meet. It is sad to think about, but many of these children would not otherwise have a single present for Christmas. With the economy still struggling, we are expecting demand to be high."

DeKalb Jail and Annex Again Meet Minimum Standards for State Certification

The DeKalb County Jail and Jail Annex have again met minimum standards for certification by the Tennessee Corrections Institute.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said the Tennessee Corrections Institute recently performed an inspection of the DeKalb County Jail and the DeKalb County Jail Annex. In a letter to Sheriff Ray, TCI Executive Director Jerry Abston, wrote that "the inspection revealed this facility meets all applicable minimum standards. This status shall be reported to the Board of Control at it's next meeting. After approval from the Board of Control, you will receive a Certificate of Certification. You are to be congratulated for attaining this degree of professionalism in your organization."

Inspector Joe Ferguson, in the report, wrote that "On June 3rd, 2010 the DeKalb County Jail and Annex were inspected. I looked at records and logs which appeared to be in order. Medical exams were up-to-date. The kitchen was clean and the dietician letter was current. The physical plant appeared to be in good state of repair and clean. I recommend continued certification for 2010."

The DeKalb County Jail and Annex have a certified capacity of 102 beds. The inmate population on the day of the inspection was 95.