DeKalb COVID-19 Cases Rise to 9 as 214 Test Negative for the Virus

April 10, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 9. As of Sunday April 12, the Tennessee Department of Health reports that 223 people have been tested with 214 negative results and 9 positive. There have been no deaths in DeKalb County from the virus and one of the nine tested positive has recovered.

The DeKalb County Health Department has established a COVID-19 drive through assessment site for county residents at the DeKalb County Health Department, 254 Tiger Drive, Smithville, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. Additional information about Tennessee’s assessment sites is available for each county on the Tennessee Department of Health website at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov/remote-assessment-sites.html.

April 10, 2020
By:

The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is encouraging people with disabilities, families of people with disabilities, and disability non-profit organizations to apply for new, one-time grants through its scholarship fund.

The Council special funding grants are to be used for technology to support people with disabilities to grow their leadership skills and stay connected during social distancing with COVID-19.
Funds must be used to meet the needs of people with disabilities and their families by:

· Promoting their health and well-being;
· Providing opportunities for leadership development;
· Creating social distancing-compliant activity and engagement with family, friends, and peers;
· Decreasing anxiety due to social distancing;
· And/or increasing positive shared experiences.

Grant amounts are: $500 per individual, $1,000 per family, and $1,500 per agency/organization. The funding will be offered as reimbursement. Priority will be given to people with disabilities and family members, especially from rural communities.

Applications are due by May 30, 2020. For more details and to fill out the online grant application, visit: bit.ly/TNCDDCovid19.

“We know the challenges of social distancing are magnified for many people with disabilities and their family members,” Council Executive Director Wanda Willis said. “We are making this funding available for creative ideas to support continued engagement, learning, and connection in the disability community as we all stay apart to stay safe.”

About the Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is a state agency established to improve disability policies and practice, educate policymakers and the public, and build collaboration to create lasting, positive change for Tennesseans with disabilities and their families. The Council is the only state agency tasked with looking at how all the pieces of our disability system work together, identifying areas of need, and bringing different parts of government and outside groups together to tackle challenges and improve state services. For more information, visit www.tn.gov/cdd or follow us on Twitter (@TNCouncilDD) or Facebook.

April 9, 2020
By:

Despite restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many public libraries continue to serve their communities and in partnership with the Tennessee State Library and Archives, are offering several online resources for learning at home, research and entertainment.

“Local libraries provide vital services to their communities,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Thanks to the Tennessee State Library and Archives expansive online resources and the spark of imagination, librarians across the state have found innovative ways to still serve their communities.”

Through curbside pickup services, some libraries are still loaning out books and materials after sanitizing them following CDC guidelines and letting them sit at least 24 hours before lending them again.

In Maryville, children can attend story time with songs and a simple craft project via Facebook Live. The library in White Pine has a cart outside with free puzzles, paperback books and some cleaning supplies available to community members.

While in Pigeon Forge, people who need to file for unemployment can visit the library, don a mask, and enter the library a few at a time to use the computers. Librarians, also wearing a mask and gloves, assist if needed.

Many libraries are still offering free wi-fi. Patrons can access the internet on their smartphone, laptop, or tablet from the safety of their car in the library parking lot. Libraries are also waiving overdue fines for anyone unable to return books and materials.

“Libraries are anchor institutions. In times like these, when the seas of life are rough, we need our anchors,” said State Librarian and Archivist Chuck Sherrill. “Librarians are talented public servants who use their skills to meet community needs. It’s amazing to see their dedication and creativity during this public health crisis.”

Libraries across the state continue to provide online resources around the clock as well. The Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) gives Tennessee residents access to over 400,000 magazines, journals, newspapers, essays, e-books, podcasts, videos, homework help and more. Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. offers more than 100,000 digital e-books, audiobooks, and videos to patrons of regional libraries for free. The TumbleBook Library provides a collection of animated talking picture books, read-along books, e-books, quizzes, puzzles, lesson plans, and educational games for children.

For more information on the resources provided by the Tennessee State Library and Archives visit www.sos.tn.gov/tsla. To find out what services Justin Potter Library is currently offering call 615-597-4359, visit their website or Facebook page. Justin Potter Library is providing curbside pickup, limited copying and faxing services even though the building is closed to the public. Wi-Fi is available at all times.

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