Smithville Area Local News

School Board Adopts Resolution Honoring Professional Services Staff

Dwayne Page — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:02:06 -0600

The DeKalb County Board of Education Tuesday night adopted a resolution of appreciation honoring professional services staff.

The resolution states " Whereas, special services critical to the success of children in our schools are provided by professionals who join the efforts of our teaching and administrative staff to help us meet the unique needs of each child; and

Whereas, these professionals including school nurses, guidance counselors, school resource officers, psychologists, speech therapists and others offer an invaluable contribution toward the well being, health and safety of students so that they can learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment; and

Whereas, our professional service staff helps to build an environment that transitions students from youthful dependence to responsible independence; and

McMinnville Man Arrested on Drug Charges

Dwayne Page — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:59:39 -0600

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department arrested a 37 year old McMinnville man Saturday after finding components of a meth lab in his car.

State Senator Mae Beavers Legislative Update

Dwayne Page — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:29:46 -0600

The following is a legislative update from State Senator Mae Beavers

Throughout my fifteen-year career as a Tennessee State Representative and Senator, I have prided myself on serving the people of Wilson, Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith, Sumner, and Trousdale counties. I have fought to preserve both the national and state Constitutions, in addition to fighting for limited government and individual rights. Yet, in my years of service, there has been another area that I have always been passionate about: reducing drunk driving in Tennessee.

Driving on public roads paid for by the state or federal government is not a right afforded by the Constitution; driving on such roads is a privilege, and a privilege I have no problem with restricting if that privilege is not respected. When it comes to a drunk Tennessean choosing to drive a deadly vehicle on a public road, a road where your and my children and grandchildren are driving, my “mom” instincts come out.

The LOOP- A Legislative Update from State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver

Dwayne Page — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:26:23 -0600

The following is a legislative update from State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver

Greetings! Tennessee was named a “Race to the Top” finalist this week. We are one of the 15 states that will move forward in the process. Final winners will receive a boost in education funding from the federal government. Tennessee is considered a top tier candidate for the funds.

Tennessee submitted its application to compete for up to $501.8 million in funds back in January. The program currently has $4.3 billion allocated to reward states which are implementing significant reforms in four education areas: enhancing standards and assessments; improving the collection and use of data; increasing teacher effectiveness and achieving equity in teacher distribution; and turning around struggling schools.

Smithville Police Department Crime News

Dwayne Page — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:02:35 -0600

In Smithville Police Department crime news this week, 44 year old Terri Lynna Hooper of McMinnville was issued a citation by Officer Scott Davis for shoplifting and criminal trespassing at Wal-Mart on Thursday, February 25th. She will appear in court April 1st

47 year old Berna D Barnes of New Home Road was arrested for public intoxication on Tuesday, March 2nd. Corporal Travis Bryant was advised that an intoxicated female was walking out of the courthouse and going to get in her car and drive off. After arriving on the square, Corporal Bryant saw the woman walking to the driver's side of her car with the keys in hand. It was at that point, that Corporal Bryant stopped the woman, identified as Berna Barnes and noticed she had slurred speech and she was unsteady on her feet.. Barnes was arrested. Her bond is $1,000 and her court date is March 18th.

Curtis Wins State Award

Dwayne Page — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:39:29 -0600

The Tennessee Council for the Social Studies has named Smithville resident and Cannon County High School Teacher, Mr. William Freddy Curtis, as one of the Tennessee Outstanding Social Studies Teachers of the Year for 2010. Mr. Curtis will be honored at a luncheon and recognition at the Tennessee Council for the Social Studies Conference on Friday, March 12, 2010 in Memphis, Tennessee.

DeKalb County Farmers Eligible for USDA Disaster Assistance

Dwayne Page — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:31:27 -0600

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a disaster designation for several Middle Tennessee counties in recognition of losses incurred by farmers due to the excessive rainfall in 2009. These declarations will allow farmers to apply for federal assistance and loans to help recover from losses related to heavy rainfall and flooding.

“This disaster designation will offer a boost to farmers whose crop yields took a hit from the heavy rainfall of the past year,” Gordon said. “Federal assistance will help many affected farmers begin to rebuild and prepare for the start of the next season.”

The USDA listed Putnam County as primary disaster area. It also designated several other counties as contiguous disaster counties, including DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall and Overton. Farm operators in affected counties will be eligible to apply for assistance from the Farm Service Agency, including emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program.

Support Project Graduation by Bidding on Opportunity to have a Quilt Top Put Together for your Senior

Dwayne Page — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:31:08 -0600

You can help Project Graduation and give your high school senior the gift of a lifetime.

If you have the winning bid, you can have a quilt top put together that represents your senior's life. Using old t-shirts or other items, you will have a gift your senior will have forever that truly belongs to him or her.

You provide all of the materials for the quilt and Bessie Jones, grandmother of Layne Mathis, will put it together. Then you have it quilted to give to your senior.

The minimum bid is $110

Contact Kelly Garrett at 215-4455 to place your bid. You have until March 12th at 5:00 p.m. to place your bid.