DCHS Senior Will Pursell Plans to Follow Family Footsteps in Practice of Law

April 27, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

DCHS Senior Will Pursell comes from a family of attorneys.

Grandparents Frank and Lena Buck are longtime lawyers. Pursell’s brother Frank Forrest Pursell is also an attorney as well as his aunt, Melinda Buck Brown and his cousin Emeline Brown will graduate next month with a law degree from UT Knoxville. So after he gets his associate degree in Accounting from Motlow State Community College and diploma from DeKalb County High School where he has successfully completed dual enrollment, Pursell will further his education at Tennessee Tech to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting before heading off to law school either at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville or the University of Memphis to follow in his family’s footsteps.

“I hope to attend the same law school as my grandfather Frank at UT and become a lawyer by age 23 just as he did. In fact I would love to someday practice law with my grandparents or brother,” said Pursell in an interview with WJLE.

A DeKalb County native, Will was a student in the local school system as a child before his family moved to Gallatin.

“I started out going to school here as a kid from kindergarten to seventh grade and then I moved to Gallatin where I attended middle school and then Beech High School as a freshman and sophomore before taking a semester at Sumner County Middle College High School and beginning my dual enrollment with Volunteer State Community College on the Gallatin Campus. In January, 2020 I moved back here and enrolled at DeKalb County High School and completed my dual enrollment at Motlow State Community College on the McMinnville campus,” said Pursell.

For his academic prowess, Pursell has earned the Motlow State Community College President’s Award in recognition of Outstanding Academic Achievement for maintaining a perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average throughout his Motlow State career.

Pursell has also complied with all the requirements for and has been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Normally Pursell would be walking the line in a Motlow commencement ceremony but this year’s event will be virtual on May 9, five days before his high school graduation on May 14.

Pursell is the son of Brice and Kathy Pursell of Dowelltown

April 27, 2021
By:

Happy, smiling faces and lots of sunshine were all around at the Chamber Ribbon Cutting for the new Alexandria Community Park Sunday.

County Mayor Tim Stribling, Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, Alexandria Mayor Bennett Armstrong, UT/TSU Extension Agent April Martin, the Alexandria Volunteer Moms’ Group, Chamber Board Members, Alexandria Aldermen, Alexandria Police, and many other local leaders, adults, and children, along with a few furry friends were among the numerous attendees.

The playground equipment was made possible by the DeKalb County Government and the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber being awarded a Three Star Grant sponsored by the TN Department of Economic & Community Development.

“We are so grateful for the Tennessee Three Star program that supports and assists us as we work together to maximize our local resources,” said County Mayor Stribling.

Mayor Armstrong expressed his appreciation for all the work and stated that “the new playground equipment was such a needed asset, and that the park will be a great place for families to visit and enjoy for many years to come.”

John Henderson created and donated his time and all the materials needed for the beautiful new Alexandria Community Park sign.

“We are so grateful to John for his generosity,” said Chamber Director Williams. The Alexandria Volunteer Group offered to raise the money needed for the materials, but John insisted that it was something he wanted to contribute on his own. This new sign is such a wonderful addition to the park!” Williams continued, “The City of Alexandria employees and the Alexandria Police Department are also appreciated for their extra care of the park. The city employees keep the property so neat and clean, while the local police keep a watchful eye on the park and as an extra layer of protection, they close the entry gate at dusk and open it again every morning.”

The Alexandria Volunteer Mom’s Group is currently in the process of raising an additional $10,000 in funds to purchase swing sets, additional park benches, picnic tables, and other needed playground improvements. If you or your business would like to make a donation to the Alexandria Community Park, please contact April Martin at 615-542-6403.

The Alexandria Community Park Playground area is located at 102 Fairgrounds Road, Alexandria behind the DeKalb County Fairgrounds.

April 27, 2021
By:

Chad Driver, a veteran banker with more than 15 years of financial services experience, has joined FirstBank as a Senior Relationship Manager at FirstBank’s Smithville financial center.

In his new role, Driver will be responsible for working with existing customers and helping develop new relationships in the Smithville business community.

“Chad has been dedicated to providing quality banking service to the Smithville community for the past 15 years,” said Scott Garrett, Regional President. “His financial experience and deep familiarity of the Smithville market made it clear to our team that he would be an excellent fit.

We’re confident his leadership will be key to our continued growth in the area.”

Prior to joining FirstBank, Driver was a loan manager at a local bank, where he developed new business relationships and helped customers determine the best loan options for their financial goals.

“I am looking forward to this new role with FirstBank and helping the team expand its presence in Smithville,” Driver said. “I’ve been grateful to be a part of this community for more than 15 years, and it’s evident FirstBank is truly dedicated to going above and beyond for its customers. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue working with businesses in Smithville to help them reach their goals.”

Driver earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Tennessee Technological University in 2004. He went on to graduate from The Southeastern School of Consumer Credit and The Southeastern School of Banking. He is currently enrolled in the Graduate School of Banking program at Louisiana State University.

Driver is a deacon and serves on the Finance Committee at Calvary Baptist Church and is active in DeKalb County youth sports. He also previously served as the president and treasurer of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County. In his spare time, Driver loves to spend time with his wife and two young daughters.