President Biden Nominates DeKalb Native to TVA Board

April 21, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

President Joe Biden on Tuesday said he was making four nominations for the TVA Board.

They include DeKalb County native and former Alexandria resident Beth Prichard Geer. The others are Robert P. “Bobby” Klein, Kimberly Lewis and Michelle Moore.

According to the White House, Beth Prichard Geer is Chief of Staff to former Vice President Al Gore and serves as a member of Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s Sustainability Advisory Committee. Geer has extensive policy and outreach experience on issues including climate change, environmental justice, and regenerative agriculture. She has served in senior roles in the Clinton-Gore White House, Department of Labor, and United States Senate. As a native of rural Tennessee, she graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University and earned the Public Leadership Executive Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Managers in Government program. She resides in Brentwood, Tennessee with her husband, Dr. John Geer.

Geer is the daughter of Marlene Prichard of Alexandria and the late Thomas Earl Prichard.

April 20, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Almost every year at least one senior at DCHS completes the credits necessary to earn an associate’s degree from Motlow State Community College just as he or she is finishing up high school studies in preparation for graduation.

Such is the case this year for Keri Winchester, member of the DCHS Class of 2021 who has been working for the last two years toward an Associates of Science degree from Motlow State Community College. Normally Winchester would be walking the line in a Motlow commencement ceremony but this year’s event will be virtual on May 9, five days before her high school graduation on May 14.

In fact, Winchester herself has been a remote learning student this year as she told WJLE Monday.

“Since a lot of my college classes count for high school classes I just chose to stay remote this year. I have been able to see my friends outside of school but its been a little weird not being able to be in school sitting there with them,” said Winchester.

Through Motlow College’s dual enrollment program, high school students like Winchester can earn college credits while still enrolled in high school. Students can take classes on a Motlow College campus, online, or even at a partner high school like DCHS.

After she earns her Associates degree, Winchester will further her education at Tennessee Tech where she plans to obtain a degree in nursing.

During her high school years, Winchester has participated in such organizations as HOSA, BETA, FBLA, and Science Clubs along with the Climate Crew. She has also been a member of the DCHS ACT 21+ club.

Winchester is the daughter of Jason and Jennifer Winchester.

April 20, 2021
By:

Long-time member Walteen Parker has again been elected to serve a 7th term as Chairman of the DeKalb County Election Commission

Parker, who has served on the commission for nearly 30 years, was unanimously re-elected during Monday night’s reorganizational meeting.

Kim Luton, who was just appointed to the commission earlier this year, was unanimously elected the secretary.

Parker thanked the commission for her appointment and reminded the five-member board of its’ duties while referencing the “Mission Statement” on the election commission website,
“Our duties are specific and focused on protecting and preserving the fidelity of the election process and procedures,” she said.

The commission also unanimously reappointed Dennis Stanley as Administrator.

Parker pointed out that during his 12-year tenure Stanley has attended and led many professional development/training seminars and workshops and has periodically served on the Legislative Committee for several years. In 2011 Stanley conducted a presentation at the annual training session for administrators that remains on the state’s Administrator’s Training Site.

“He has successfully, efficiently, and professionally maintained the DeKalb County Election Office,” Parker said. “He is well respected by our state officials and election offices throughout the state. Needless to say, he is also admired and respected by our citizens and our election offices of DeKalb County.”

County election members are appointed every two years by the Tennessee Election Commission. Following each appointment, commissions reorganize by electing a chairman and secretary. The chairman represents the majority party and the secretary represents the minority party. Local election commissions are composed of three Republicans and two Democrats.

In addition to Parker and Luton, the DeKalb County Election Commission is made up of Barbara Vanatta, Jim Dean, and Yvette Tubbs Carver.