Adopt Zoe and other Pets at a Discount During Adopt-A-Thon Saturday at DeKalb Animal Shelter (View video here)

August 27, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Calling all Dog and Cat Lovers!

Adopt dogs and cats at great deals Saturday, August 28 thanks to the Friends of the DeKalb Animal Shelter non-profit organization during an Adopt-A-Thon.

For example, you can adopt “Zoe”, the WJLE/DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pet of the Week” for only $60.

“Zoe is a 2-3 year old Pitty Mix. She is a hefty girl but super sweet and she is really great on a leash. Zoe is good with other dogs and people including children and she loves to play. While she has tons of energy she can be just as content sitting around and relaxing. Her adoption fee is $60 during the Adopt-A-Thon Saturday which means Zoe will be spayed and brought up to date on all vaccines. She will also be microchipped, heartworm screened, and will get her flea and tick prevention treatments all for $60. In fact, our “Friends Of” Organization has reduced the adoption prices for all cats and dogs Saturday, August 28 only,” said Shelter Director Emmaly Bennett.

“If you are interested go to our website at https://www.dekalbanimalshelter.com/ and look for Zoe under the adoptable pet tab. Fill out that application and we will call you for an appointment to come in and meet her,” said Bennett.

For more information phone 615-597-3647.

August 27, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb Saints got their second football victory of the season Thursday night winning at home over Watertown Middle 22-6.

After watching the visitors take a 6 to nothing lead, the Saints went to work scoring three unanswered touchdowns with a pair of two point conversions while shutting out Watertown the rest of the game to get the win.

Juan Ortega had 15 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the game while Jon Hendrix had 13 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown. He also converted both two point conversion plays. Wyatt Carter hauled in one catch for 38 yards.

The Saints are now 2-2 and will host White County for homecoming Thursday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m.

August 27, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

A glowstick vigil was held Thursday evening on the east side of the courthouse grounds to show support for those struggling with substance abuse addiction and to honor and remember those who have lost the fight.

The observance was sponsored by the DeKalb County Prevention Coalition.

“This is overdose prevention month and the Coalition, Recovery Court, and citizens of the community wanted to have an event to celebrate the lives of those who have survived an overdose and to remember loved ones and community members we have lost due to overdose. We hosted a glowstick vigil and used purple glowsticks because that is the color for overdose awareness. Everyone who attended tonight who had lost a loved one due to an overdose held a glowstick and broke it in remembrance of their loved ones. We also prepared a Blessing Banner which has pictures of people we have lost in our community due to an overdose and we will display that banner on the wall in the county complex for all to see and they can also sign the banner or leave a message of hope,” said Jennifer Matthews, Director of the DeKalb County Prevention Coalition.

Part of the event included training in how to administer naloxone, a life-saving drug that can revive someone who has overdosed. The training was administered by Suzanne Angel and Colby Lane, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists for the State of Tennessee.

Entertainment was featured by Seth Willoughby.

Lydia Price and Justin Cantrell were invited to speak during the program.

Price talked about her road to recovery from addiction.

“I started drinking which led to harder drugs. It really took hold of my life. At age 26 I had a beautiful little boy but due to my addiction DCS became involved. I couldn’t stay clean at that time. I was in and out of treatment. Ultimately I went to court after being nine months sober but due to my past and having been in court so much they terminated my (parental) rights. I know God played a part in all of it because that is what it took for me to get clean,” said Price.

“Living in addiction is such a dark place. I lost my family and my home. I was walking to work and riding a bike. It was a hard life. At the time I didn’t realize it but since getting clean, I have my family back and a lot of support. I have been blessed with an amazing job and I have an amazing fiancé. I am thankful for my life today. After losing my son I was afraid that God would never bless me with a family and I had come to terms with that as much as it hurt me. I couldn’t forgive myself. In 2015 before my rights were terminated, I attempted suicide. I woke up in ICU a couple of days later. It helped me get clean. I had to do a lot of therapy to work through that but that’s okay. If you are suffering ask for help. In January, 2020 I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl. God’s promises ring true. I never thought I would have a family but I do. Its not always easy but God will make a way. I am so thankful for my life today,” said Price.

Cantrell, also a recovering drug addict, said during a previous observance, that his life has completely changed in recent years since becoming clean and sober.

“I grew up in a broken home. Both of my parents were drug addicts. I grew up angry and displeased about everything. I never felt good enough in school and never thought I would be a part of anything but I thank God for my grandparents. They really stepped in and helped me throughout my life. I took a hard road to get where I am today. I thank God for the 12 steps of recovery which allowed me to be here today. Without it I would have no peace in my life. That is what brought me to the understanding of my higher power, which is Jesus Christ. Once I started believing in myself my whole life changed and I started setting goals.. My life has completely changed. I give all the glory to God,” said Cantrell.

The program concluded with a purple balloon release and all attendees joining together in a moment of silence while lifting their purple glowsticks in honor of overdose victims and survivors.