Smithville Head Start to Conduct Drive Through Graduation

April 30, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Its graduation time at LBJ& C Smithville Head Start Center but the Class of 2020 will be recognized in a different manner from those of prior years due to COVID-19.

Instead of a ceremony for the children, teachers, and parents at the county complex, this year’s head start graduation will take the form of a drive through on Wednesday, May 6 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at the center on Kimberly Lane.

“We will have staff members positioned six feet apart for social distancing as the parents drive through with their children. I will hand out to the students their completion ribbons, a staff member will pass out graduation hats to those moving on to kindergarten, and teachers will present their diplomas along with any needed art supplies, homework packets, and personal belongings left at the school since the closure of the center several weeks ago,” said Director Cathy Shehane.

“It will be an emotional time for us but it gives us an opportunity do a welfare check on the students, ask how they are doing, and get to see their whole families again. We love all our students and their families,” added Shehane.

April 30, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

When enjoying recreational boating, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says it is important to observe the following practices to protect yourself and others and slow the spread of Covid-19:

Only boat with those in your immediate household: no guests or outside-of-household family.

Boat close to home. Make direct trips to local accesses only. Go right from your home to the access and back.

Maintain distance at fuel and community docks.

When fueling, wash your hands as you would when car fueling. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

No beaching or rafting with other boats. Maintain social distance of 6 to 10 feet.

If you have been diagnosed or are exhibiting symptoms consistent with Covid-19 (including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing), you should not leave your home at all, including to participate in outdoor recreation. This self-isolation period should extend for at least 7 days after illness begins and 72 hours of being fever-free without using fever-reducing medications and resolution of other symptoms.

April 30, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County Courthouse and the main entrance of the County Complex County Offices will continue to be closed to in-person business thru May 31st and will be re-evaluated at that time.

All closures and precautionary measures have been implemented in the best interests of those we serve. We apologize for any inconvenience these measures may cause and appreciate your cooperation during this difficult time. Employees are still reporting to work but residents who need to do business with them are urged to call first. Signage is posted on doors with phone number of each office for people to call. They will inform you how your business will be handled. The County Clerk’s drive thru window is open.

County Complex County Offices:
County Clerk 615 597 5177
Register of Deeds 615 597 4153
Trustee 615 597 5176
Assessor of Property 615 597 5925

Courthouse Offices:
County Mayor 615 597 5175
Circuit Court Clerk 615 597 5711
Clerk and Master 615 597 4360
Election Commission 615 597 4146
Recovery Court 615 215 8690

There continues to be a high level of awareness and an equally high level of cooperation community-wide as everyone – businesses, individuals, and families – work together to keep themselves and those around them safe,” says County Mayor Tim Stribling. We ask for your patience while the county continues to work to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.