Girl Talk, Too Coming In April

March 12, 2019
By:

Years of research tell us that even when we think teens aren’t listening to us, that they really are. Parents are their child’s first teacher and have the greatest influence on their physical, emotional, and sexual development. But, how do you grow a meaningful relationship with your teen? Join us to learn how! We’re starting a new series, called “Girl Talk, TOO” on….

April 4, 11, and 25 in the auditorium at the DeKalb County Complex.

 During this multi-week program, teen girls ages 12 – 16, will join their mother, or other trusted female adult, to learn about their changing bodies, behaviors, and beliefs. Fun and engaging activities will help grow relationships, setting a strong foundation for healthy and trusted communication so that teen girls will grow into women who are able to have healthy relationships. A light meal will be provided each night of the class.

The “Girl Talk, Too” classes are sponsored by UT DeKalb County Extension Service in cooperation with the DeKalb County Health Department and the DeKalb County Coordinator of School Health. The classes will be held on Thursday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Instructors include UT Extension Agent Dr. April Martin, Coordinator of School Health Elise Driver, Nurse Practitioner Dr. Gianna Owens, and Health Educator Megan Kinslow. Mothers and teens need to attend all sessions together. The class is limited to 11 adult/ youth pairs and pre-registration is required. Please call 615-597-4945 to pre-register.

March 12, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The City of Smithville is embarking on a plan to eventually build new sidewalks and improve pedestrian crossings but it will need some financial help to make it happen.

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, Mayor Josh Miller asked the aldermen to take the first step in the process by authorizing an application for a $75,000  Community Transportation Planning Grant through the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The program is a 90/10 match grant that facilitates a study to create a plan for specific projects. Mayor Miller said he would like to build sidewalks on East Broad Street and South Congress Boulevard and to add and improve sidewalks and pedestrian crossings in the downtown area.

The city is hoping to use funds from a health department grant to cover the 10% match which would be $7,500.

Should the grant be approved, the city would then take the next step in the process by seeking a federally funded TDOT Transportation Alternatives grant to cover construction costs for the specified downtown projects up to $1 million. This is an 80/20 match grant and all engineering and design work would have to be completed or funded by the city.

For the proposed sidewalk projects on East Broad and South Congress Boulevard, the city would need to apply for a Multi Modal Access Grant. This program is a 95/5 match for construction up to $1 million.

Mayor Miller said the city needs these improvements but they won’t come overnight. “I need to get the study done and plans drawn so that hopefully by fall we can apply for the grants including the Multi Modal Grant.”

March 12, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

A southern gentleman, sweet mannered, handsome, and intelligent. Sounds like the perfect guy, right? Meet “Bear” who is all those things and more!

“Bear”, a two year old Akita/Shepard mix, is the “Pet of the Week”, a regular segment on WJLE featuring a lovable critter at the DeKalb Animal Shelter that needs a good home.

“Bear” gets along well with his neighbors here at the shelter and loves a nice long walk. He is waiting ever so patiently to be adopted so that he can spend his days in his forever home, loved for the sweet boy he is. Are you Bear’s hero? If you think Bear is the perfect fit for you please fill out an application and set up a time to meet him,” said Megan Moore, Director of the Shelter.

For more information call 615-597-1363.

The shelter, located at 186 Transfer Station Road behind Tenneco Automotive, is open Thursday and Friday from noon until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon.