Rookie Smithville Firefighters Complete LIVE Burn Training

May 8, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Two new members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department have completed LIVE Burn Training at the Tennessee Fire Services & Codes Enforcement Academy.

Fire Chief Charlie Parker recognized Rookies Dillon Hicks and Jeff Prisock during Monday night’s monthly meeting of the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen.

Chief Parker presented Hicks with his name tag and badge as an official member of the department and asked that the aldermen approve the addition of Prisock to the list of city volunteer firefighters now that he has completed his 90 day probation period and the LIVE Burn Training. The aldermen granted the request.

The Smithville Fire Department is made up of 28 members.

May 8, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

“Fancy” is a gentle dog that needs lots of love and attention.

If you would like to have such a companion then visit the DeKalb Animal Shelter to get acquainted with her.

“Fancy” is the WJLE/DeKalb Animal Coalition featured “Pet of the Week”

“She is a 1 to 2 year old Lab Mix and is probably the most gentle dog we have ever had at the shelter. She is good with other dogs and kids. I have never seen her jump up on anybody. This is pretty much her personality. She just wants to sit and hang out with you. If “Fancy” sounds like the perfect pet for you call and let us know,” said Shelter Director Megan Moore.

For more information call 615-597-1363.

The shelter, located at 186 Transfer Station Road behind Tenneco Automotive, is open Thursday and Friday from noon until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon.

May 8, 2019
By: Leigh Fuson

The days are getting longer and warmer, and the countdown to summer is on! You may be making plans for a beach or theme park vacation, but University of Tennessee Extension encourages parents to consider sending their youth to 4-H camp. 4-H is the youth development program of UT Extension, which cooperates with Tennessee State University and volunteers, to deliver quality youth programs throughout the year, including summer camp.

With a long tradition of youth development and STEM education, 4-H camps offered across the state are an amazing opportunity. Junior camp is for anyone currently in 4th-6th grade and takes place at Clyde York 4-H center in Crossville. DeKalb County 4-H members can attend this camp June 10th-14th. It features shooting sports, arts and crafts, swimming and a water slide, canoeing and kayaking, zip lining, sports and games, and much more! Cost is $300 which includes all meals, room & board, transportation, t-shirt, and activities. Registration deadline is May 17th.

“Tennessee 4-H camps are a chance for youth to explore their relationship with the world around them while having loads of fun. Tennessee 4-H camps move by the motto “learn by doing” and also by 4-H’s experiential learning method of ‘Do, Reflect, and Apply.’ Youth are engaged and involved from the time they arrive to the time they depart,” says Daniel Sarver, a youth development specialist with UT Extension.

Not only are campers having fun, making new friends, and creating life-long memories, but they are learning responsibility and life skills while being away from home. Many parents may worry about sending their children to camp, but Tennessee 4-H camps are accredited by the American Camp Association, are directed by caring professionals and volunteers, which include on-site camp staff and county 4-H agents.

For more information and to register for camp, please stop by the UT/TSU Extension office located in County Complex or call 615-597-4945. Payment plans are available. 4-H is a proud part of UT/TSU Extension, the UT Institute of Agriculture, and the TSU Cooperative Extension Program. UT/TSU Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments. Programs are open to all people regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, or disability.