School’s out, but students continue to get fed despite COVID-19 outbreak

March 19, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County School System, with help from local churches, is working to make sure students, regardless of income, are fed despite school being out because of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Beginning Monday, March 23, students can pick up a box of food items for the week of Spring Break at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center and at DeKalb West School from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon.

However because of state and federal guidelines, the food will have to be distributed in a “drive through” pickup line at both locations and students, age 18 and younger, receiving the meals must be in the vehicle.

“We have had an outpouring of churches wanting to help our students to make sure they are getting food so Monday, March 23 churches are preparing food boxes for our students,” Director of Schools Patrick Cripps told WJLE.

The following week, March 30 and until school goes back in session, the school system will be taking on the food distribution on Mondays and Thursdays with continued support from churches.

“The churches are still going to carry on with us and we greatly appreciate that,” Director Cripps continued.

“We will be preparing meals on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon at the same locations, the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center and at DeKalb West School. We will be putting together breakfast and lunch meals and additional food on Mondays starting March 30 for a three day supply and a two day supply on Thursdays beginning April 2,”

“We will have volunteers distributing the food. As you pull up to the buildings we will hand out food for the numbers of students age 18 and younger who are in the car,”he said.

March 19, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Two 911 Communicator shift partners of the DeKalb Emergency Communications District have been commended for their exemplary performance in handling an influx of emergency and non-emergency calls on a night of heavy rain and flooding last month.

Stephanee Wright and Kelsey Logan were singled out for the DeKalb 911 Telecommunicator Commendation by Bradley Mullinax, Director of the DeKalb County ECD.

“I would like to congratulate Kelsey and Stephanee for a job well done for their performance on the night of February 5, 2020. As you may recall, the DeKalb County area suffered significant rain fall that resulted in area flooding, multiple vehicle rescue missions, and traffic hazards across the county. In addition to the multiple non-emergency calls, there was a spike and abundance of emergency calls for service,” said Mullinax.

“Their performance in coordination with each other as shift partners that night illustrated confident, decisive, and proficient actions that led to a better than expected outcome for our community and responders. In addition to our internal review of their performance, I have received calls from multiple agency department heads from different disciplines praising them for their performance,” Mullinax continued.

“Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins stated that “It is very comforting to know that the voice on the other end is confident and decisive with their job”.

“Further, DeKalb County Fire Chief Donny Green stated “he was very impressed with the performance of the two communicators because the event was chaotic, and everything was handled very professionally”.

“I feel the actions of these two young ladies are exemplary because of their dedication, confidence, and ability to remain calm in a very stressful situation. I have been managing the communications center for over 15 years, and I feel this type of performance sets the bar for other communicators and dispatch centers. I am extremely proud of these two professionals for the work they have done”.

“Thank you for a job well done,” added Mullinax

March 19, 2020
By:

Due to ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, DTC Communications is closing all of its business offices to the public effective March 19th. Employees continue to work to serve the public, and drive through windows will remain open for communication purposes.

Crews are still maintaining facilities, installing services, and making repairs. Payments may be made through the website (www.dtccom.net), online Bill Pay (https://billing.dtccom.net/EBPP/Login), at one of the payment deposit boxes at its business offices, or by check or card by calling 615-529-2955.

To Report any service issue, please call 615-683-4033. For all other inquiries call 615-529-2955.

“We are monitoring this evolving situation very closely, and we are following recommended practices as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Tennessee Department of Health,” said Chris Townson, CEO of DTC Communications. “Our Board of Directors and team of dedicated employees are executing our emergency preparedness plan to ensure business continuity. We continue to seek, gather and understand all available information from reputable and relatable sources, as we make decisions in the collective best interests of our employees and customers.”

Townson also reiterated that DTC is not taking action out of fear, but out of preparedness and concern for the safety and health of DTC employees, and its members and customers. “We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this quickly changing situation with you. We are praying for safety and health for all. Thanks for allowing us to serve you.”

DTC Communications is a member owned telephone cooperative established in 1951. The cooperative supplies communication and entertainment products and services to residential and business customers primarily throughout Middle Tennessee.