Community Urged to Pause in Remembrance of Fallen Heroes This Memorial Day (View Video Here)

May 25, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Although the traditional Memorial Day program sponsored by the American Legion Post 122 will not be held today due to COVID-19, a brief ceremony will be held to place a wreath at the Veterans Memorial Monument outside the courthouse today at 12 noon. Prayers will be offered and taps played. Anyone wishing to attend may park at the courthouse and view the observance from their vehicles.

Members of the American Legion are also asking that the public place a green light bulb on their porch and burn it starting today (Monday) through Tuesday morning to honor our fallen heroes and veterans still living.

Two years ago, Vietnam Veteran and former TWRA officer Ben Franklin honored fallen soldiers and those still living who carry the scars of combat during his remarks at the 2018 Memorial Day remembrance at the county complex.

Franklin praised those who laid down their lives for this country, saying they did it to preserve the Constitution and the freedoms it stands for. It is because of them, Franklin said that we get to enjoy the Liberty we have today.

M2U02761 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“I have been to 17 foreign countries but there is no place like the USA. We have more freedom than anybody anywhere, “ he said.

In today’s society, Franklin said many have a misplaced view of heroism.

“In my opinion they have a misguided perception of heroes. Most of them think they are people who can run fast or throw and catch a ball. Those who run up to each other and bump their chests and throw high fives. My idea of a hero is a 19 or 20 year old with a gun 6,000 miles away from home in Afghanistan or Iraq who doesn’t know who his enemy is. That is my idea of a hero,” he added.

Franklin admonished the audience to always remember those who served, both fallen soldiers and living veterans, as well as their families; those who treated wounded warriors during combat; POW’s and MIA’s; and the veterans who committed suicide due to the horrors of war after they returned home.

He also encouraged people to always exercise their privilege of voting and support candidates who will stand for the Constitution and “won’t take our freedoms away”, said Franklin.

Choking back emotion, Franklin closed his remarks by saying “God Bless the families of the soldiers who have died for this country. God Bless the Veterans and the Military soldiers who are serving today and God Bless America”.

May 27, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb Animal Shelter has lots of furry friends who need a good home including “Krew” the WJLE “Featured Pet of the Week”

“Krew was found as a stray. He is about a 1 year and 8 months old and has been tested and had all of his vaccinations including for rabies. Krew prefers to be curled up in your lap. He gets along well with other cats, children, and adults. He is ready to go,” said shelter employee Emmaly Bennett.

DeKalb Animal Shelter Employee Emmaly Bennett with Krew from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“To adopt Krew, go to our website. www.dekalbanimalcoalition.org and look for a tab to fill out an application. Fill it out and email it back to us. We will call to set up an appointment time for you to come in and meet Krew to see if he is a perfect fit for you,” said Bennett.

The DeKalb Animal Shelter is currently only open by appointment due to Covid-19.

“If you are interested in any of our dogs and cats fill out an adoption application and send it to our email. We will call and set up a time for you to come in and meet your favorite pet and go from there. We are not currently open to the public for in-person visits but all our pets are posted online. Stay up to date with us on our website, facebook page, or Instagram,” said shelter director Megan Moore.

May 24, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County’s confirmed number of COVID-19 cases is now at 35.

As of Tuesday, May 26, the Tennessee Department of Health reported that 1,195 people had been tested with 1,160 negative results and 35 positive. There have been no deaths in DeKalb County from the virus and 26 of the 35 persons tested positive have recovered.

The DeKalb County Health Department conducts free drive through assessments for COVID-19 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-3pm. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

At 35 cases, DeKalb County ranks 4th highest in the Upper Cumberland region behind Putnam with 410, Cumberland 111, and Macon 108. Other counties in the region with COVID-19 cases are Smith 30, White 27, Overton 23, Warren 21, Cannon 17, Jackson 17, Fentress 12, Clay 6, Van Buren 4, and Pickett 3.