Lady Tigers Take Two in Kerry Malone Super Games at Lebanon

December 24, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

The DCHS Lady Tigers swept both of their games in the Kerry Malone Super Games at Wilson County High School in Lebanon this week.

DeKalb County defeated Wilson Central 57 to 55 on Tuesday and then knocked off Ezell Harding Christian School 56 to 51 on Wednesday.

In the game against Wilson Central, the Lady Tigers led 13 to 8 after the 1st period, 28 to 24 at halftime, and 44 to 39 after the 3rd period before claiming a 57 to 55 victory.

Ella VanVranken scored 25 followed by Madison Martin with 11, Chloe VanVranken 10, Tess Barton 7, and Avery Agee 3.

On Wednesday, DeKalb County trailed Ezell Harding 10 to 7 after the 1st period and 23 to 20 by halftime. The Lady Tigers found themselves behind 33 to 31 after the 3rd period but rallied in the 4th quarter to come from behind and win 56 to 51.

Ella VanVranken led the Lady Tigers in scoring with 26 followed by Chloe VanVranken 10, Camryn Branin 7, Avery Agee 8, Madison Martin 4 and Tess Barton 1.

The DCHS Lady Tigers (8-4) will compete in the Renasant Bank Christmas Tournament at Maryville December 27-30. The Lady Tigers will first see action in that tournament against McMinn Central on Tuesday, December 27 at 4 p.m. (eastern time). WJLE will be unable to broadcast the game LIVE.

JANUARY
Tue, 1/3-6:00pm-Livingston Academy-Away • District
Fri, 1/6-6:00pm-Macon County- Away • District
Sat, 1/7-3:00pm-Warren County- Away • Non-District
Tue, 1/10-6:00pm-Watertown-Away • Non-District
Fri, 1/13-6:00pm-Cumberland County-Home • District
Tue, 1/17-6:00pm-Upperman-Away • District
Fri, 1/20-6:00pm-Stone Memorial-Home • District
Tue, 1/24-6:00pm-White County-Away • District
Fri, 1/27-6:00pm-Livingston Academy-Home • District
Mon, 1/30-6:00pm-Smith County-Home • Non-District
Tue, 1/31-6:00pm-Macon County-Home • District

FEBRUARY
Tue, 2/7-6:00pm-Cumberland County-Away • District
Fri, 2/10-6:00pm-Upperman-Home • District
Game times listed are the start of the Lady Tigers game. Tigers games to follow.

December 24, 2022
By: Bill Conger

Instead of Ho! Ho! Ho! it’s more like No! No! No! That’s the case for some parents who want their children to enjoy a visit with Santa Claus but are hampered by their sensory issues. Kids Express Therapy in Smithville, which offers speech, occupational, and physical therapy, hosted a sensory-sensitive Santa event Saturday (Dec. 10) at their offices at 612 South Congress Boulevard.

“A sensory-sensitive Santa event is geared toward children with special needs, who may have a difficult time attending similar events that other children enjoy,” says Kids Express Owner/Manager Alyssa Conger, SLP-CCC. “Things like loud noises, long lines, and excessive visual stimulation can trigger meltdowns in children who cannot process sensory information the same way we do. Our event is by appointment only, which eliminates long lines, and reduces over-stimulating noises and sights. We will also be providing devices for communication in the event that children have difficulty telling Santa what they want.”

“Many children are afraid of Santa at first, and that is not unusual, but for the kiddos with sensory issues, the entire process may be problematic before they even see the big guy in red,” Conger adds. “Bright lights in a shopping mall, the smell of foods in the food court, lines and crowds of people wearing brightly colored clothes and too much perfume; children crying or pressing into their personal space, etc. can be powerfully overwhelming to them.”

Chad and Brooke Mathis brought their children to see St. Nick. In the past greeting the jolly old elf has been a real struggle but not this time.

“Usually, we have to stand in line and usually there’s a big crowd,” says Brooke Mathis. “With Hudson having Autism he’s usually screaming and having a meltdown. But here he got to do one-on-one with him (Santa) and warm up to Santa. He enjoyed it. I think he felt more comfortable here.”

“We love our kids in the community who need extra support, and we love the families here,” Conger said. “We believe that Christmas magic is for everyone, and we want all children to have opportunities to enjoy these activities.”

December 23, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

TVA’s call earlier today (Friday) for rolling blackouts in 15-minute intervals has now been lifted but all local power companies are being asked to reduce load to help avoid the need for rolling blackouts.

In order to reduce the possibility that TVA will need to call for further measures, all power utilities including locally Smithville Electric System and Caney Fork Electric Cooperative are asking all customers to take some simple steps to voluntarily help reduce power consumption.

According to a facebook post by Caney Fork Electric Cooperative “the request by TVA to shut off power in 15-minute intervals has been lifted. Please still be mindful of your power usage. Please, we are asking you to turn off/unplug all unnecessary items and if at all possible, turn your heat settings to 68 degrees or lower. Thank you for your help in this matter”.

Delay using washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and high-energy-use appliances as much as possible.