US Army Corps of Engineers employee rescues kayaker

January 14, 2025
By: Michael Davis

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employee played a crucial role in rescuing a kayaker who capsized on the Caney Fork River near Center Hill Dam on Dec. 31, 2024. Kevin Salvilla, natural resource program manager at Center Hill Lake, responded to the distress call, ensuring the kayaker’s safety in challenging conditions.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., Salvilla received a call from dispatch reporting a kayaker clinging to a tree in the river after capsizing. He learned that the individual was not wearing a life jacket and was submerged and showing signs of hypothermia. Salvilla, with assistance from the DeKalb County Rescue Squad, responded swiftly.

Salvilla met the rescue team at the Long Branch Day Use Area where he launched a USACE park ranger vessel and navigated downstream to reach the kayaker.

“We provided the distressed young man with a life jacket, brought him into the boat, and retrieved his equipment before returning him safely to shore,” Salvilla recounted. “He was treated for hypothermia symptoms by DeKalb County EMS and released shortly after.”

Salvilla noted that the incident occurred due to the kayaker striking submerged debris.

“Thankfully, he was able to call 911 using his phone that he was able to retrieve from his pocket,” said Salvilla. “This situation highlights the importance of being prepared, wearing a life jacket, and expecting the unexpected while on the water.”

During a visit to Center Hill, the USACE Nashville District commander presented several awards to the team and to individuals for this incident response as well as other recent successes at Center Hill.

“The rescue on New Year’s Eve highlights the professionalism and dedication this team brings to every response,” said Lt. Col. Robert Green, USACE Nashville District commander. “The team’s actions reinforce one of our core missions to serve the public and protect lives, no matter the time or challenge.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reminds everyone to prioritize safety when engaging in water-based activities, especially during colder months when hypothermia is a significant risk. Wearing a life jacket, staying aware of environmental conditions, and having emergency equipment can make all the difference.

Additionally, in areas downstream from hydropower facilities, such as the Caney Fork River, it is important to be aware of generation schedules and how they impact water conditions. Hydropower generation schedules for all facilities in the Cumberland River Basin can be found on the USACE Nashville District website.

January 12, 2025
By: Dwayne Page

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps has announced the 2024-25 Teachers of the Year at the building level of the five schools in the county.

This year’s honorees chosen by their peers are 4th grade math and science teacher, Cathleen Humphrey at DeKalb West School, 1st grade teacher Allyson Trapp at Smithville Elementary School; Amanda Goodwin, special education teacher at Northside Elementary School, Kristen Lynch, special education teacher at DeKalb Middle School, and Dylan Kleparek (Coach K), science/chemistry teacher at DeKalb County High School.

“Our district’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in DeKalb County. We applaud teachers who care about our children, who devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of DeKalb students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement. We are not just exceptionally proud of our Teachers of the Year, but we are also grateful for all of our educators in DeKalb County,” said Director Cripps.

According to Michelle Burklow, Supervisor of Instruction, “Competition for the district-wide John Isabell Teacher of the Year award continues through January and will be announced this spring. Additionally, a DeKalb County teacher will be chosen by a committee to compete at the regional level in March, and if selected the teacher will represent DeKalb County at the state level competition.”

Teachers of the Year are selected competitively through five cycles: Building, System, Field Service Core Center Region, Grand Division and State; and from three categories (levels of teaching); Grades Pre-K-4, 5-8, 9-12.

Teachers selected at each cycle receive local recognition and awards underwritten by local sources. State recognition/awards include a banquet honoring the nine State Teacher of the Year finalists and certificates of appreciation from the governor. In addition, the State Finalists and the State Teacher of the Year receive cash awards.

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year Program is designed to promote effective teaching practices by recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers while encouraging others to join the teaching profession.

January 11, 2025
By: Dwayne Page

Local and state law enforcement agencies converged near Man Hill Road, Dowelltown Saturday afternoon where a body was found.

In a prepared statement, Sheriff Patrick Ray said “On January 11, 2025 at 1:01 PM a call came into Dispatch about a body that had been found off of Man Hill Road in Dowelltown. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 13th District Attorney General ‘s Office were summoned to the scene. The body has been sent to Nashville for identification by the Medical Examiner. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department are investigating. No more details are available at this time,” said Sheriff Ray.

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