Smithville Mayor Pays Tribute to Former Mayor

April 8, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen Monday night paused to pay tribute to a former mayor and alderman who passed away last week.

Mayor Josh Miller recognized the longtime community service of 94 year old Edward Frazier, who served a Smithville alderman and mayor during the 1970s. Frazier was also a World War II veteran and a successful businessman.

“The City of Smithville and our community lost a great friend and supporter when Mr. Edward Frazier passed away at his residence on Friday, April 3, 2020.”

“Mr. Frazier lived a full and interesting life. He was born to Robert Lee Frazier and Hassie Hubbard Frazier on March 13, 1926 on a farm in the Dry Creek community of DeKalb County.”

“Mr. Frazier was drafted into the U.S. Army as soon as he got out of high school in 1944. He took basic training at Camp Forrest, TN and advanced infantry training at Camp Blanding, Florida. After his training, he was shipped to England where he joined the 99th Infantry Division. His division crossed the English Channel and was on duty in the Ardennes region of Belgium when the German army invaded in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Frazier was a combat infantryman who fought the enemy in Belgium, crossed the Rhine River on the Remagen Bridge and fought in southern Germany until he war ended with Germany’s surrender. For his exemplary combat service, Mr. Frazier was awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.”

“After the war, Mr. Frazier went into the nursery business in Smithville as owner and president of Frazier Brothers Nursery Company. He married Frances Fuston and to them were born Susan (Hinton) and Edward, Jr.”

“Mr. Frazier served the Smithville community by his service on the city council for many years and as mayor two terms. He was an active leader in many civic organizations, including the American Legion where he served as commander of Smithville POST 122. Mr. Frazier for many years was the community leader for the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day remembrance events at the courthouse.”

“Mr. Frazier was a tireless promoter of Smithville. During his service on the city council and in the mayor’s office, many infrastructure improvements were made to the city’s streets, parks, water system, and airport, and new municipal buildings were constructed: the city hall, the library, and the post office. The legacy of Edward Frazier’s service to our community can be seen all over town.

“Edward Frazier was a good and honorable man who loved his family and his community. The City of Smithville is a better place because of Edward Frazier, and we are grateful for his life and his service to our nation and city,” said Mayor Miller.

April 7, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

A Blood Assurance drive is set for Friday, April 10th.

The blood drive will be from 8 a.m. until 12 noon outside in the parking lot of the Family Medical Center in the bloodmobile.

You may schedule an appointment at www.bloodassurance.org/familymedctr. You may also contact Michiko Martin concerning the blood drive at 615-597-4395 or mmartin@dtccom.net.

Remember to eat a good meal, drink additional water, and avoid energy drinks and bring a photo ID.

Donors can now download the BA App and answer their health questions prior to coming to the bus. Just download “bloodassurancequickscreen” and answer the questions to the end hit DONE day of the blood drive. This will save you 10 minutes on the bus.

All donors will be given a “Happy Camper Southern Blood Donor” t-shirt.

Blood Assurance is the sole blood provider for the local hospitals and your donation is needed for an adequate supply.

April 7, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases remains at 7. As of Tuesday April 7, the Tennessee Department of Health reports that 160 people have been tested with 153 negative results and 7 positive. There have been no deaths in DeKalb County from the virus.

“Governor Bill Lee last week issued a “stay at home” order stating that “every Tennessean must take this seriously, remain at home and ensure we save lives.” This order is in effect until April 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. We need to do our part as DeKalb Countians to adhere to Governor Lee’s “stay at home” order. Only go out if you have an essential activity,” said County Mayor Tim Stribling

“I cannot stress enough how serious this pandemic is and everyone needs to do their part in helping to limit the spread of the coronavirus. This virus has NO boundaries. Medical experts say the next two weeks are critical in trying to slow the spread. We can’t be doing the kinds of things we were doing a few months ago. Rethink your daily activities. Social distancing is crucial to limiting coronavirus’ spread. This means staying home as much as you can and minimizing contact with others. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly,” he said

The CDC is now recommending wearing a cloth mask when in public gatherings (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) if you are not able to social distance.

“Our EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement, firefighters, rescue squad, first responders all take a high risk when called upon. 911 has to have healthy staff to dispatch those calls. Our emergency services personnel can’t stay home including our doctors and nurses. Take a personal responsibility to limit the spread of COVID-19 so these professionals can continue to provide an essential service to our county with a full staff,” said Stribling.

“We will continue to work closely with the TN Department of Health and all agencies of government at all levels to minimize the impact on the residents of DeKalb County. That has been and continues to be our primary concern. We will get through this together as everyone takes a personal responsibility to do everything they can to protect our county,” he said

Individuals with specific questions can call the TDH Information line at 877-857-2945 or 931-646-7586.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html which also has a link to the Center for Disease Control website.