DeKalb Schools to be Closed for Four Days Due to Sickness

January 28, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County Schools will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Monday after school officials say there is widespread sickness and concern over spread of the illness which includes the flu, strep throat, and stomach viruses.

“Absenteeism has recently grown each day throughout the school system and reached 12% on Tuesday and its not only students but several teachers have been out sick,” said Joey Reeder, Attendance Supervisor for the DeKalb School System.

Percentages of attendance at each school in the county Tuesday were as follows: DCHS 88.59%, DeKalb Middle School 86.85%, Northside Elementary School 91.10%, Smithville Elementary School 90.92%, DeKalb West School 84.34%, and District-wide 88.1%.

“Before making the decision to close schools we talked to various health care professionals to get their opinions and they said the spread of the illness had not yet peaked and probably would take at least up to five days for it to run its course,” Reeder added.

The school calendar includes thirteen days that can be used for inclement weather or sickness without any makeup days. After Monday, eight days will be left to use this school year.

January 28, 2020
By:

The board of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival has appointed Alex Woodward as stage co-host for the 49th Annual event to be held July 3-4, 2020. Woodward accepted the appointment to honor the memory of his late father, and longtime host of the Jamboree, Tim Woodward.

“The sudden loss of our friend and colleague left such a hole in our hearts, along with the Jamboree that he loved and supported,” said Sam Stout, President and Coordinator of the Jamboree, “Tim Woodward was a vibrant and talented host that kept us smiling, both on and off stage. Although there is no one that could truly replace Tim, it was our feeling that Alex was absolutely our first choice to not only host, but to honor his dad’s legacy.”

When asked about his thoughts on the Jamboree’s decision to appoint him, Alex Woodward responded with humility, “I am grateful and humbled by the opportunity to help co-host the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival. We moved to Smithville, TN in 1994, and we lived one block off the square. At Jamboree time, we would go downtown to the festival and have fun. Later, if we got tired, we would go home and listen from the front porch. It has always been a joy of mine to listen and admire the talents of the many contestants as they travel to Smithville from all over the United States for this one special weekend,” smiles Woodward. “I remember hearing Dad say that ‘it was not about him, but about those performing’. It is also my desire to keep it about those competing. I look forward to co-hosting for 2020, and to welcome contestants and visitors to this year’s Jamboree. Our family is very appreciative of the comments, visits, thoughts, and prayers from the Jamboree family after the passing of our father. He truly enjoyed co-hosting, the Jamboree festivities, and what the Fiddlers Jamboree has always meant to Smithville and DeKalb County.”

The Jamboree Board wants to encourage the community to support Alex Woodward, along with the many volunteers across DeKalb County that work all year long to keep this 49 year old tradition alive for future generations. If you would like information on how to join the Jamboree Volunteers, or Junior Volunteers Team (15 & up); please email smithvillejamboree@gmail.com.

January 28, 2020
By: Bill Conger

DeKalb West School Junior Beta students donated their time Saturday (January 25) to the Hope Center in Smithville.

Caitlin Shoemake, Caroline Crook, Emily Young, Jordyn Turbeville, Grant Buterbaugh, and Caleb Lawson got up early when many a teen or tween would still be in bed and sorted through numerous bags of clothes for the center. The Beta students helped divide through the donated items for others to have clothes to use.
Through the Hope Center ministry, the network of Southern Baptist Churches, supply clothing, used appliances, furniture, toys, and some household items to families or individuals in need.

The Hope Center is open Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. until Noon and receives donations on Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon.