School Board Appreciation Week Set for January 27-31

January 22, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

January 27-31, 2020, is School Board Appreciation Week in Tennessee. This week helps build awareness and understanding of the vital functions locally elected boards of education play in the community.

The DeKalb County School District is joining public school districts from across the state to celebrate School Board Appreciation Week and honor local board members for their commitment to DeKalb County and its children. “Our school system is the backbone of our community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.. “There is no greater honor that can be bestowed upon a citizen than membership on a local board of education. They spend countless hours studying the issues and regulations and make the tough decisions when called upon to ensure the type of accountability people expect.”

Cripps said the key work of school boards is to:

• Create a vision for what the community wants the school district to be and for making student achievement the top priority;

• Establish standards for what students will be expected to learn and be able to do;

• Ensure progress is measured to be sure the district’s goals are achieved and students are learning at expected levels;

• Create a safe, orderly climate where students can learn and teachers can teach;

• Form partnerships with others in the community to solve common problems; and

• Focus attention on the need for continuous improvement by questioning, refining and revising issues related to student achievement. “Our local school board impacts every student every day in DeKalb County by influencing the high quality of education that our children and youth receive. The DeKalb County school board shows its commitment to educational excellence and equity – and for that we are very grateful for their attitude of service,” added Director Cripps.

The members serving DeKalb County are as follows: Danny Parkerson, Alan Hayes, Jim Beshearse, Kate Miller, W.J. (Dub) Evins, III, Doug Stephens, and Shaun Tubbs.

January 22, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss has a couple of reminders for auto dealers and other business owners.

February 15, 2020 is the deadline for auto dealers to file their annual sales report.

“Please make sure this transaction is completed on or before February 15, 2020. Any payments and returns submitted after February 15, 2020 has an additional $100 late penalty. Annual Sales reports are available online through the Tennessee Commerce & insurance, Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission or you may complete and fax a paper form. Anyone needing assistance filing electronically or faxing a paper form may contact our office to schedule an appointment for assistance,” said County Clerk Poss.

Meanwhile April 15,2020 is the deadline to file renewals for business licenses and those must be done electronically.

“Standard business licenses are obtained initially at the City/County level and renewed by Online Filing and payment each year going forward. All business tax returns must be filed and paid electronically,” said Poss.

“Please visit the File and Pay section of the TN Department of Revenue website for more information on this process. Paper returns will not be accepted unless filing electronically creates a hardship upon the taxpayer. Generally, hardship exceptions will include taxpayers who do not own a computer; taxpayers who do not have access to the internet; and taxpayers whose religious beliefs prohibit the use of computers and related technology,” he continued.

If you need help filing and paying renewals through The Department of Revenues TNTAP website, County Clerk Poss said he and his staff will provide assistance.

“Feel free to contact our office with any questions, concerns or assistance in renewing your current business license,” said Poss.

Business license returns for renewals are due on or before April 15. 2020. Avoid penalties and interest by completing this transaction timely.

” I assist customers by appointment only due to the amount of time and number of people I assist each year in a short amount of time. I also assist several individuals with filing and paying their monthly Sales and Use Tax. These payments are due by the 20th of each month. Any payments for Sales and Use Tax paid after the 20th are subject to both penalty and Interest. Again, feel free to contact our office for assistance with any of your needs,” concluded County Clerk Poss.

January 22, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

After trying to outrun the law in a stolen truck and then on foot, a DeKalb County couple is facing theft and evading charges.

37 year old Joseph Huff Ray of Belk Road and 21 year old Taylor Nicole Fults of Four Seasons Road will make an appearance in General Sessions Court January 30. Each is charged with theft of property and evading arrest. Bond for each is $15,000.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said the couple was in possession of a Nissan Titan truck which had been stolen recently from someone in the City of Sparta.

Witnesses reported having seen the truck in DeKalb and Warren County since the theft so law enforcement officers had been on the lookout for it.

According to Sheriff Ray, a DeKalb County deputy spotted the truck on January 2 and tried to stop it. But after activating his blue lights, the truck refused to stop and sped up trying to get away. The officer gave chase until the truck went off the road and got stuck in ditch near a field. Both Ray and Fults, who were in the truck, got out and took off running. The two were later captured and charged in the case.