Haven of Hope Adds Psychologist

June 9, 2021
By: Bill Conger

Dr. Kathryn Buck Pursell, PhD will join the mental health non-profit agency Haven of Hope on June 15. The Liberty resident will be offering psychological examinations in the areas of Autism, Intellectually Disabled, Dyslexia, ADHD, Parenting Assessments, Anxiety, and Depression to name a few on a part-time basis.

Pursell, who is also a school psychologist in Rutherford County, originally set out to work in private practice. A former DeKalb County Schools teacher, she was motivated to learn more about the psychology field when mental health professionals struggled to find the correct answer for her daughter.

“The whole reason I even went back to college was my daughter,” explains Pursell. “They kept on telling us that she had ADHD and I kept saying, “No, it’s more than that.” I went to school to figure out what was wrong with her.”

Eventually, Pursell’s family got the answers they were seeking, and in the meantime, Pursell earned her Master of Arts in Agency Counseling from Tennessee Tech. Her journey continued at Tech as she earned her Specialist in Education in School Psychology.

“I’m excited to be joining the Haven of Hope,” Pursell said. “When I set out for it, I hadn’t planned to be a psychologist for the schools. I liked it so I thought I’ll stay and do this.”

Her desire to work in the private sector continued, though, and she persevered by earning her licensure and doctorate degree in psychology.

“We are so excited to have Dr. Pursell with us,” Haven of Hope Executive Director Samanthia Curtis said. “She is a valued member of our team. The Haven is proud of Dr. Pursell offering her valuable professional services to our community.”

Pursell’s honors include the 2013 William Ballard Award, PhD level, from the Tennessee Association of School Psychologists and the 2012 Outstanding Graduate Student at Tennessee State University.

June 9, 2021
By: Dwayne Page

Residents would no longer be allowed to erect or place an accessory structure such as an outbuilding or barn in their front yard under action taken by the Smithville Aldermen Monday night.

The new ordinance, adopted on first reading, was recommended for passage by the Smithville Planning Commission. In R-1 and R-2 residential zones, the ordinance would require that “with exceptions of signs, accessory structures shall not be erected in any front yard”. Barns, sheds, outbuildings, etc. would have to be situated to the side or behind homes according to setback regulations in those residential zones with the approval of the city building codes inspector.

Second and final reading passage will be scheduled at the next meeting in July.

Also at the recommendation of the planning commission, the aldermen have adopted on first reading an amendment to the zoning ordinance to prohibit residential and commercial uses in all heavy and light Industrial zones (I-1, 1-2, & 1-3 zones).

Second and final reading passage will be scheduled at the next meeting in July.

Bailiff Street is now one-way.

The aldermen, at the request of residents who live on that road and the planning commission, voted to make Bailiff Street, located between Fisher Avenue and Mountain Street, one-way. The street is narrow and serves only a few homes. The street will become one-way from Fisher Avenue.

The aldermen also adopted an ordinance on second and final reading to rezone property at 415 Juniper Lane from R-2 residential to C-1 commercial. The property belongs to Rebecca Ford Little. This lot joins two others in the neighborhood already zoned commercial.

June 8, 2021
By: Shan Stout

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival has announced the Blue Blaze Award recipient for 2021. Jamie Dailey of the country, bluegrass & gospel music group Dailey & Vincent will be honored on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021 during the festival competition at approximately 5pm followed by a mini-concert performed by Dailey on the main stage in the Smithville, Tennessee Downtown Square. It is rumored that a surprise guest appearance, along with an additional honor will be presented to one of Dailey’s colleagues immediately following the Blue Blaze Award presentation.

Dailey is no stranger to the Jamboree, having visited it for the first time in his younger years, and hosting a WCTE-PBS broadcast special for the festival many years later following his induction into the Grand Ole Opry. Jamie grew up singing and playing with family and regional groups all over middle Tennessee and Kentucky, but gained national attention when he joined Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver in 1998 as lead baritone and tenor singer. During Jamie’s tenure, the band won 13 IBMA Awards–including seven Vocal Group of the Year awards and earned four Grammy® and five Dove Award nominations. Jamie has recorded with Dolly Parton, appeared on five Gaither Homecoming DVD’s, was a guest on Ricky Skaggs’ Grammy-winning Brand New Strings album, as well as dozens of other guest performances and collaborations to his credit. Jamie is a skilled musician, vocalist and songwriter, with a gift to entertain and always make folks feel right at home.

“It is our privilege to present this year’s Blue Blaze Award to Jamie Dailey,” said Shan Stout, Director of Marketing for the Jamboree, “The award is designed to honor an individual or group that ‘keeps the embers of bluegrass music burning for future generations.’ Our board felt that Jamie’s long-time contributions to bluegrass, country & gospel music, along with his love of the Jamboree; has certainly helped to keep the love of this type of music alive & thriving for many years to come. We appreciate Jamie’s energy & love of music that has gained him a loyal fan base of young & old alike. The Jamboree is pleased to add Jamie to our long, and talented, list of deserving honorees.”

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival will commence on Friday & Saturday, July 2-3, 2021 beginning promptly at 9am-10pm each day. For more information on the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree schedule of events, go to: www.smithvillejamboree.com or follow their FaceBook page at Smithville-Fiddlers-Jamboree-and-Crafts-Festival.

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