A Diverse Christmas at DeKalb West

December 18, 2022
By: Bill Conger

Students at DeKalb West School’s 21st Century After School program took a special trip around the world for Christmas. They journeyed to Mexico, Germany, England, and Canada without leaving DeKalb County.

“After Thanksgiving break, different groups of students researched the different countries and how they celebrate the holidays,” explained Tonya Ellis, Director of the 21st Century After School program at DWS. “We did it to teach children about the holidays of other cultures. It helps them to see that no matter what differences we all have, we also have many things in common, such as family. Most holiday celebrations are times when extended families gather together to enjoy special food, traditions and one another.”

Kindergarten and 1st grade girls sang the American classic Christmas tune, “Jingle Bells.” First grade boys and second grade girls put their spin on the Mexican holiday standard, “Feliz Navidad.” Second grade boys and third grade boys and girls performed “O Christmas Tree,” or “O Tannenbaum,” that was written in Germany in the mid-1500s. Fourth grade boys and 4th-8th girls tackled the English Christmas carol, “12 days of Christmas while 5th-8th students brought the song, “A Porcupine In a Pine Tree” to life. The Canadian version of “12 Days of Christmas” sings about everything from the winning hockey Stanley cups to caribous and beavers.

Students performed the songs for parents and teachers Thursday, December 15 at DWS.

December 18, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

A family was left homeless after a fire destroyed their residence at 1576 Vandergriff Hollow Road near Dowelltown Friday afternoon.

Ann-C.S. White and three children were not at home at the time of the fire, but they lost their dwelling and all belongings including three pets in the blaze. The cause is undetermined.

“Upon arrival, there were heavy flames showing from the structure. Crews worked to gain control of the fire. The resident lost all belongings, and the Red Cross was dispatched to assist the family with immediate lodging and personal needs. No injuries were reported. On the scene were the Liberty, Temperance Hall, Cookeville Highway and Main Stations of the DeKalb County Fire Department along with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb County Emergency Medical Services,” said DeKalb County Fire Chief Donny Green.

December 17, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

Two people were injured in a rollover crash Friday afternoon on Highway 70 east just north of Old Sligo Road.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 41-year-old Patricia Mae West was traveling eastbound on Highway 70 in a 1999 GMC Yukon SUV when she ran off the right side of the roadway and into a ditch before hitting an earthen embankment. After impact, the SUV overturned coming to final rest with the passenger side up, facing east.

Trooper Dylan Palmer said his investigation into the cause of this crash will continue for an extended period of time.

West apparently sustained minor injuries but her passenger, 56-year-old Jeffrey Threadgill was thought to have been seriously hurt and was airlifted to Vanderbilt Hospital.

Neither West nor Threadgill were wearing a seatbelt according to the THP.

Members of the DeKalb EMS, DeKalb Fire Department, and DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department were also on the scene.