Fire Destroys Entire Production Line at Foutch Industries

September 14, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

A fire at Foutch Industries on East Broad Street today (Friday) destroyed an entire chain-on-edge coating production line  for brake rotors causing an estimated one million dollars in damage.

The fire started in an enclosed room of the manufacturing facility where the production line was housed though no one was working in that room at the time. How the fire actually started in there has not been determined.

Approximately 100 employees working in other parts of the building were evacuated during the fire. No one was injured.

The Smithville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene with mutual aid backup support from members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department and they contained the blaze to the room where the fire started with no damage to the rest of the manufacturing facility but smoke spread throughout the building.

The Smithville Police Department  and DeKalb EMS were also on the scene.

September 14, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

Students from second to fifth grade helped raise money for their school Friday during an obstacle course fun run at Northside Elementary.

The event, sponsored by the school’s PTO, was expected to generate from $8,000 to $10,000.

PTO President Amy Tobitt said the money will be used to help the school buy Smart Boards for every classroom.

IMG_1036 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

Funds are raised from pledges and donations.

“The kids ask for pledges or people can donate. The goal for each kid is to raise $100. Every kid gets something (incentives) if they bring in something (donations). Their rewards could be like an extra recess, popcorn, pizza party, ice cream, etc.,” said Tobitt.

The obstacle course was a new addition to the fun run this year

September 14, 2018
By: Bill Conger

Seventh grade teacher Vicki Wilson is the first Teacher of the Month at DeKalb West this school year.  Principal Sabrina Farler made the announcement during Wednesday afternoon’s staff meeting.

Now in her 14^th year at D-W-S, Wilson says the best part of her job is hearing the perspective of her seventh graders.

“They are creative and have great energy,” says Wilson. “They are becoming young adults and are formulating their own opinions and ideas.”

In addition to a specially-marked parking space and lunch from the White Possum restaurant, Assistant Principal Joey Agee presented Wilson with some bling, a hip hop necklace, as a fun way to honor her achievement.

“Mrs. Vicki is an extremely hard worker who demands the very best from her students each and every day because that is exactly what she gives them,” Mr. Agee said.

The peer-nominated award was given to Wilson partly because of her strong commitment to her students. As an example, while still recuperating from surgery at the first of the year, Wilson decided to still come into work while a substitute was already filling in for her.

“I needed to return to school as soon as possible to form a bond with my new students,” explains Wilson. “They are a terrific group. I knew I was missing out. My substitute, Mrs. Liz Cripps, did a wonderful job of beginning the school year. Mrs. Martha Damron and Mrs. Tammy Payne were great support in conveying schedules and plans and in dealing with all the unexpected things that come up the first two days of school.”

Wilson certainly has earned the respect of her peers.

“She is a fine example of someone who goes above and beyond!” says Librarian Amanda Mullinax.

“Mrs. Vicki is a wonderful teacher,” says Special Education Teacher Jennifer Martin. “I have learned so much from her while just being in her classroom for short periods of time throughout the years. She tells the best stories; I love hearing them. She uses songs, videos, pictures and whatever is needed to help students relate to the lesson. She goes the extra mile to help any student. She has a great love for her students, which is important to a child and their parent(s).”