Virtual Book Sale at Justin Potter Library

September 11, 2020
By:

Because of the continuing Covid-19 crisis, the libraries have had to remain closed, except for curbside services since mid-March and it is not yet known when it will be safe to have in person book sales.

“We know that many of you are missing our book sale and we are missing you, so there are some new services being offered beginning September 28th. We will be having a virtual book sale! Check out our Facebook page for pictures and videos of books for sale,” said Library Director Kathy Hendrixson.

“We are also offering a service for you to request books and DVDs that you are looking for. We will do this via Facebook or you can email us at jpoprinting@gmail.com. Please send us titles with authors, genre, and as much information as you can. If we can find it in our book sale, we get it ready for you and schedule pick up dates for your convenience,” she said.

“Finally, we are posting pictures on Facebook of featured boxes of books or individual book covers that may be of interest. This will be at our regular book sale prices,” added Hendrixson.

Please call Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359 for further information on the book sale and other services available to the community.

September 11, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Tigers will welcome to town the Watertown Purple Tigers tonight (Friday). Kick-off is at 7 p.m. and WJLE will have LIVE coverage with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor and Luke Willoughby.

(Click link below to hear WJLE’s Tiger Talk Program)

https://www.wjle.com/tiger-talk-september-11/

DeKalb County is hoping to avenge a 42-20 loss at Watertown last year. The Tigers will enter the game with a record of 1-2. DC earned its first victory, a 31-30 region win last week at Stone Memorial. Watertown sports a record of 2-1 with victories at Gordonsville 14-7 and at Trousdale County 9-7 and a 24-20 loss at home to Nolensville.

Although the Tigers are 1-0 in region play, Coach Steve Trapp said mistakes last week nearly cost them the victory.

“For three weeks in a row we really feel we have stubbed our toe on offense. We are stopping ourselves. We are on pace when we are in front of the chains and our offense goes but when we have those first down penalties it makes it harder although we have the opportunity to make up for it by being an explosive offense. We just have to make sure we play clean football. Last week at one point we scored quickly and got them off the field defensively and then we fumbled a punt and gave Stone Memorial momentum and then we gave up a kickoff return. We also gave up some big plays on defense so there are a lot of things we have to get right and build on the things we are doing well,” said Coach Trapp.

As for tonight’s opponent, Coach Trapp said Watertown is a good team with a solid quarterback in Brayden Cousino.

“There are a lot of similarities between our teams as far as our offensive schemes and having a lot of receivers spread out. They have some good athletes in the skill positions. Most of their new guys may be up front on the defensive and offensive line but Watertown is a good football team and very aggressive defensively. They run to the football very well and are a very disciplined football team so we understand the challenge in front of us. Their quarterback is a good athlete. He has the capability of running with it. He is a dual threat guy and is dangerous when he leaves the pocket and scrambles. This is one of those guys where we have to be ready and prepared in all aspects of the game. Our challenge is to go out there and get it done,” said Coach Trapp.

WJLE’s Pre-Game shows begin with “Coach to Coach” at 5:00 p.m. featuring former UT assistant coach Doug Matthews with former coach Dave McGinnis and broadcaster Larry Stone talking Tennessee and SEC football.

“Coach to Coach” is followed by “Murphy’s Matchups at 6:00 p.m., a look at Tennessee High School Football from Murphy Fair with commentary on games and coaches interviews.

“Tiger Talk” airs at 6:30 p.m. with the Voice of the Tigers John Pryor interviewing Coach Steve Trapp and Tiger football players Jasper Kleparek, Antwon McCoy, and Ean Jones.

September 10, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

From Sparta to Bell Buckle, motorcycle bikers will set out on a journey Saturday morning to raise funds and honor Tennessee Firefighters who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting citizens.

Bikers in the 7th annual Shady Brady Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial ride will pass through Smithville on Highway 70 from Sparta and then onto Highway 56 south toward McMinnville enroute to Bell Buckle on the campus of the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy where the memorial is located.

(Video below is from the 2019 Bike Ride through Smithville)

Motorcycle Ride through Smithville from dwayne page on Vimeo.

The bikers will get a law enforcement escort and members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department and others will greet them with waves while displaying a huge American flag near Food Lion as they pass through. Everyone is welcome to join the firefighters in greeting the bikers Saturday morning. Their anticipated arrival time in Smithville is around 9:15 to 9:30 a.m.

This year’s ride is dedicated to Barry Brady (Shady Brady) of the Sparta Fire Department, the founder of the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial ride who passed away last year and a Challenge Coin will honor Chief Jason Byrd of the Fayette County Fire Department. Challenge Coins are $10 each.

Bikers who would like to participate should register from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Kick stands up at 9:00 a.m. at the Sparta Fire Department, 715 North Spring Street in Sparta. The cost is $25 per rider/$20 per passenger.

For more information call Bradley Johnson at 615-967-6557, Kayla Williams at 615-948-7508, or Kenny Kilgore at 931-200-7380.

Beginning in 2002, the first Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial Committee was founded with a mission to create a memorial to honor fallen firefighters in Tennessee. After earning its 501©3 not-for-profit status, the board of directors began to actively raise funds to build the memorial.
In 2005, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a resolution, which dedicated land on the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy property to be used for constructing a memorial.

Fundraising efforts began with the TUFF Challenge and by selling bricks in support of the memorial.

Construction of the memorial was broken up into two phases. The official ribbon cutting ceremony for phase one was held Sept. 11, 2009. Dedication of the completion of the second phase was held on Sept. 10, 2011.

The Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial honors the fallen firefighters of Tennessee. Additionally, a section was added to the memorial that pays tribute to the lives lost during the terrorist attacks that occurred Sept. 11, 2001. As part of that memorial, a piece of a steel I-beam, which was recovered from “Ground Zero” in New York City, is also on display.